By Osagie Otabor, Benin
Officials of Edo State Fire Service are handicapped in tackling fire because they are not properly motivated, it was learnt on Wednesday.
It was gathered the firemen had no insurance cover, and they get N10 hazard allowance monthly; the amount fixed since 1984.
Most fire trucks, it was learnt, including those donated by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), had broken down since 2018.
Sources said only Benin station was functional, with Ubiaja, Afuze and Ekpoma moribund.
Some workers, who pleaded for anonymity, said only 45 personnel, including engineers and administrative staff, were in the state Fire Service.
They said poor response to fire incidents was caused by the delays sister-stations take to release their trucks.
“There is no way we can work without trucks. All the fire incidents are unfortunate but there is nothing we can do. If we call other Fire Services, they would have to get clearance, and most times this takes close two hours before they are cleared.
“We don’t have workers; 13 engineers were recruited recently and two have resigned. We have to open more stations across the state. The last time firemen were recruited was in 2007.
“The only active station is in Oredo, Benin City. How do we respond to emergencies in other parts of the city?”
Commissioner for Special Duties Damian Lawani said the government had plans to recruit and train more firemen.
According to him, the new Fire Service to be unveiled would have insurance cover and well trained personnel.
He said government ordered new trucks while older ones were being repaired.
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