The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Fire Service Department, on Friday, announced a ban on traders sleeping in the FCT markets to reduce fire outbreaks in the markets.

Mr Adebayo Amiola, the acting Director of the department, announced this at a news conference in Abuja.

Amiola said the ban was in line with the implementation of emergency jurisdiction of the department’s mandates.

He described the development as very alarming, adding that it not only violated regulations but posed significant risks to personal safety and property.

Amiola, who expressed concern over the 226 fire incidents recorded in the FCT from January to June, added that sleeping in markets among other careless human practices contributed to high incidents of fire outbreaks.

He said that the Fire Service would enforce no-sleeping regulations within markets and also advocated the provision of alternative accommodations for traders where necessary.

According to him, building of shanties within the market increases the risk of burning and uncontrollable blazes.

He also said that building shanties within the market areas had become rampant, adding that the structures not only contributed to the disorder but also served as fuel for fires and that the department would equally demolish illegal shanties and conduct regular inspections to prevent their re-establishment.

The acting director further said the haphazard arrangement of makeshift shops further compounded the challenges.

“Disorganised layouts impede movement and accessibility, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate during crises.

“These issues are not confined to markets alone but extend to our motor parks, where similar safety and organisational problems are prevalent,” he said.