FCT, Lagos, 4 others record fire outbreaks, N500m property destroyed

Fire incidents were recorded across several states in Nigeria on New Year’s Day, with outbreaks reported in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara and Bayelsa states.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Federal Fire Service (FFS) spokesman, Paul Abraham, a fire broke out shortly after midnight at Cake Hot Restaurant, located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.

He said firefighters, working in collaboration with the FCT Fire Service, swiftly contained the blaze, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster in the busy recreational area.

Abraham said the fire, which occurred at about 12:23 a.m. on January 1, affected a section of the restaurant’s garden but claimed no lives and caused no injuries.

He added that property valued at approximately ₦1.5 billion was saved, while losses were estimated at about N500 million.

Preliminary investigations, according to him, linked the incident to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing long-standing warnings against the use of fireworks.

The FFS spokesman also disclosed that firefighters responded to multiple fire incidents in Lagos, Imo, Gombe and Kwara states, successfully preventing further escalation and minimising property damage.

However, Bayelsa State recorded a tragic incident in Yenagoa, where a residential fire claimed the life of an 11-year-old child. Abraham said property worth about N10 million was saved, while losses were estimated at N20 million.

Reacting to the incidents, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Abdulganiyu Adeyemi expressed sympathy to the victims and families affected by the fires.

He reiterated the need for Nigerians to strictly observe fire safety precautions, particularly during the harmattan season.

Adeyemi urged residents to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use, avoid fireworks and open flames indoors, and promptly report fire outbreaks to emergency services.

“From Abuja to Yenagoa, fire can break out in seconds. But with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable. Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations,” he said.

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