The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fire

  • Fire guts Abuja Federal Secretariat

    Fire guts Abuja Federal Secretariat

    • No casualty recorded 

    The Federal Civil Service Secretariat, Abuja, was yesterday engulfed by fire in the early morning.

    According to an eyewitness, the inferno which started from an office on the third floor in the Ministry of Tourism destroyed electronic items and furniture worth millions of naira before it was put off by men of the Federal Fire Service, (FFS).

    It was learnt that the fire was observed by some security personnel who raised the alarm which drew the attention of emergency rescue workers around the area.

    Men of the Federal and Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Fire Services who were informed about the incident arrived shortly after and extinguished the fire.

    Those in the building ran away for safety and no casualty was recorded.

    The Director-General, (DG) Federal Capital Territory Emergency Service, Alhaji Abass Idriss, stated that the fire had been brought under control.

    He said, “We suspect that the fire was from an electrical spark, but everything is under control, the fire has been put off, and the damage wasn’t much.”

    Last Sunday, there was a fire outbreak that destroyed some parts of the House on The Rock Church, situated along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua express way, Abuja.

    Felix Ogenyi, the director of general services, ministry of health, said the fire was caused by an “electrical spark”.

    He told journalists that the fire incident on the third floor of the building was immediately put out by the fire service.

    “The fire wasn’t a blaze. It was just a little fire spark on the third floor of the Ministry. Immediately when we saw the electrical fire spark, the Fire Service was called in and the fire was put out immediately,” he said.

     

  • Fire guts House on the Rock Abuja

    Fire guts House on the Rock Abuja

    House on Rock Church, Abuja, popularly known as Citadel and Tower, caught fire yesterday following an electrical surge. The service already closed before the fire started.

    The inferno, which began about 2pm, according to an eyewitness, started from the part of the building that was being renovated, and lasted for several hours before fire officials could extinguish it.

    It was learnt no one died because the main auditorium was closed for renovation while a makeshift auditorium was provided beside it.

    A church member, who pleaded for anonymity, said they heard loud sparks from the section under renovation.

    “Gradually, we begun to see smoke and that attracted the attention of other church workers. We immediately contacted other church officials and together, we begun to discuss how to put out the fire. But the more we tried, the more the fire spread until it overwhelmed us. “The fire officials we called tried their best but achieved little result.

    “While the fire was burning, some worshippers and passers-by watched helplessly but prayerfully, as they awaited the arrival of reinforcement from superior officials.

    “However, it was fire officials from Julius Berger construction company, and headquarters of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), about 5.10pm, assisted by NEMA officials, who put out the fire, after over six fire trucks from the Federal and FCT fire services made little or no effort.”

    Result of preliminary investigation, according to the Wuye Divisional Police Officer, Salomi Jimbest, confirmed that the fire was caused by a power surge.

    She also confirmed that no one died as members had vacated the building before the fire started.

    Neither the pastor nor any of the church management could comment on the development.

  • Fire guts House on the Rock in Abuja

    Fire guts House on the Rock in Abuja

    Most parts of the House on Rock church, Abuja popularly known as Citadel and Tower went up in flames on Sunday following an electrical fault that was said to have caused a fire incident few hours after the worshipers closed for the Sunday service.
    The inferno which began at about 2:00 pm according to an eyewitness started from the part of the building that was being renovated and lasted for several hours before fire officials could put if off.
    The Nation learnt that no life was lost because the main church building was closed for total renovation while a makeshift auditorium was provided beside the building for use during Sunday services and other church programmes.
    A church member who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the fire started when they heard a loud spark from the section under renovation. “Gradually, we begun to see smoke and that attracted the attention of other church workers.”
    “We immediately contacted other church officials and together, we begun to put heads together on how to extinguish the fire. But the more we tried, the more the fire spread until the fire overwhelmed us. The fire officials contacted few minutes after tried all they could but achieve little result. I was totally disappointed with the FCT and federal fire officials.”
    While the fire was burning, some worshipers and passersby watched helplessly but prayerfully as they await the arrival of reinforcement from superior officials.
    However, the fire was put off following the arrival of fire officials from Julius Berger construction company and the headquarters of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at about 5: 10pm, assisted by NEMA officials at about 6: 00pm after over six fire trucks from federal and FCT fire services battled the inferno.
    Result of preliminary investigation, according to  Wuye Divisional Police Officer, ASP Salomi Jimbest confirmed that the fire was caused by power surge at the auditorium.
    She also confirmed that no life was lost, as all the members had vacated the building before the commencement of the incident.
    No official of the church management could speak to journalists on the incident.

  • Domestic fire burns 14 relatives of lawmakers in Kano

    AT least 14 persons, believed to be relatives of the Kano State of Assembly member, Hon Kabiru Hassan Gashir, representing Kiru Constituency, suffered varying degree of burns in domestic fire incident at his official residence at Farawa quarters of Kano metropolis.

    It was gathered that nine of the victims, who suffered severe burns were immediately rushed to Dala Orthopedic Hospital, while the other five were admitted at the Emergency ward of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. An eyewitness, disclosed that the fire, which engulfed the entire residence, occurred yesterday evening when a cooking gas exploded and engulfed the entire building, while the enraging fire startled the house maid. Furthermore, the eyewitness, disclosed that most of the victims were reportedly rescued by a teeming crowd, including concerned members of the public, who flooded the vicinity to also rescue trapped victims in the blazing building. However, the incident happened in the absence of Hon Kabiru Hassan Gashir, who is currently in the Holy City of Mecca to perform the lesser hajj.

  • Fire guts Diya’s house

    Fire guts Diya’s house

    The Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Ikeja GRA residence of a former Chief of General Staff, Lt-General Oladipo Diya went up in flames last night, destroying valuables running into millions of naira.

    The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

    Gen. Diya was not at home when the fire started.

    Personnel of the Lagos State Fire Service and those of the State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), as well as Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni rushed to the scene to help put out the inferno.

    It was also not immediately known whether anyone died in the incident.

     

  • Biafra fire

    efore the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and its noisy leader, Nnamdi Kanu, there was the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), and its equally loud leader, Ralph Uwazuruike.  Before these separatist reincarnations, there was the Biafran idea that became a dream and culminated in the three-year Nigerian Civil War that ended on January 15, 1970, following the surrender of the Biafran troops to the Federal side.  As observed in The Tragedy of Victory, a civil war account by Alabi Isama, the conflict ended without ending the centrifugal tendencies in the country’s space.

    The resurrection of Biafran separatism and the ramification of the revolt are full of lessons. In December 2015, Uwazuruike must have thought he was taking the idea to the next level. After unveiling his group’s new identity and announcing his new leadership title, he released plans to set up a parallel government in the country’s Southeast and South-south.

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was renamed Biafra Independence Movement (BIM), and Uwazuruike said he should be recognised as BIM leader instead of MASSOB leader.

    “Old members will now belong to the new Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) while the MASSOB structure will be reorganised as the youth wing of the Biafra struggle,” Uwazuruike said during a meeting of his group’s zonal and regional administrators. In other words, the struggle was still alive, but would be carried on under a redesigned banner.

    Uwazuruike must have been under the impression that he moved closer to actualising his separatist dream by presenting what was called the 2016 Biafra Budget at the Ojukwu Memorial Library in Owerri, the Imo State capital.   Was Biafra already a reality, and no longer an objective? Who was responsible for making the budget? Who approved it? Where would the funds to operate it come from? Did this budget presentation explain or justify the efforts to generate revenue internally by, for instance, selling so-called Biafra passports as well as MASSOB customised vehicle number plates? Of course, these specific examples were scams.

    Also, Uwazuruike announced the appointment of Rev. Fr Samuel Aniebonam, a Catholic Priest, as the Chairman of the Biafra Independent National Electoral Commission (B-INEC). Uwazuruike said: “The chairman, with other anointed men and women of God as members, will supervise the internal election into the offices of the new Biafra Government on February 22.” How could a group’s “internal election” be for the election of Biafra government officials?

    He continued: “Our election will not be like Nigeria’s election, it will be a transparent one. In Biafra, there won’t be electoral fraud. The tenure of the elected Regional Governor or Minister would be four years and nine months. There shall be no second tenure. Once you are defeated, you won’t appeal in a tribunal against your opponent. This is why members of the commission would be men and women of God.”  He sounded like a Constitution, or like the Constitution. Was there a Biafra Constitution? Who drafted it? Who ratified it?

    The group’s National Director of Information, Sunny Okereafor, was quoted as saying only members of MASSOB and BIM were qualified to vote and be voted for in the elections. Were these the only Biafrans, or the only enfranchised citizens of Biafra? Was the group the same thing as Biafra, or was Biafra the same thing as the group? Okereafor said: “The electioneering has begun; we are conducting elections into all offices from wards to the zones, to elect leaders to administer Biafra. We are going to show Nigeria how to conduct free and fair elections without rigging, intimidation and favouritism.”

    He added: “Biafra will be a country where others would come to learn how democracy works… We want freedom; Biafra is the answer.”  Okereafor reportedly said Biafra would re-introduce its currency as soon as the elections were concluded and winners sworn in.

    The reinvention that invented BIM should be appreciated in its proper context.  As background, it is noteworthy that a faction of MASSOB led by Uchenna Madu had expelled Uwazuruike for alleged misappropriation of funds. Madu was the Director of Information under Uwazuruike in the old power structure.

    The complexion of the conflict was obvious following Uwazuruike’s allegation that Madu got money from the Federal Government to stop pro-Biafra protests. In response, a statement by MASSOB’s Secretary, Ugwuoke Ibem, attacked Uwazuruike and threatened to expose his “atrocities, sabotage and deviation from Biafra’s actualiastion.”

    The statement said: “As the closest officer to the former leader as well as the image maker, our new leader has vowed to expose Uwazuruike’s dealings with the Federal Government under Jonathan; Ezu River case, death of Innocent Ogbuehi (ex-Umuahia MASSOB leader), and other illicit affairs.”  It added: “MASSOB, under Madu, will continue its non-violent agitation with other pro-Biafra groups.”

    How many pro-Biafra groups exist today?  This question is pertinent in the light of developments concerning what may be tagged “The Biafra Project.” It is no news that IPOB, another enthusiastic pro-Bifara separatist group, continues to make the headlines on account of the activities of its leader, Kanu, who is facing treason-related charges for illegally running Radio Biafra.

    When Kanu was granted bail by a Federal High Court on April 25, the joy of his supporters understandably knew no bounds. This report captures the family backing Kanu enjoys concerning his separatist ambition: “The IPOB leader’s mother said she had been having sleepless nights while her son was in detention and thanked God for answering her prayers. Mrs. Kanu thanked all those who stood firm for the Biafra cause and prayed for her son’s release, urging them to keep the faith. Asked if she would advise her son to discontinue his agitation, she cried: “No retreat, no surrender. Biafra is a divine project.”

    The report continued: “Kanu’s mother said the arrest of her son popularised the Biafra agitation and vowed to keep supporting the movement. “My son was raised by God to deliver Biafra and as God delivered Israel so he will deliver Biafra because my son is fighting for his right,” she said.”

    It remains to be seen whether such separatist impulses can correct the imperfections of the country’s federalism.

  • Lagos to partner trade groups to reduce fire outbreaks

    The Lagos State Government has said it will partner  trade associations to curtail incidence of fire outbreaks in the markets, which results in losses for artisans and tradesmen across the state.

    Speaking with The Nation, the  Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment,Mr. BabatundeDurosimi-Etti, said the state was ready to work with trade associations on enlightenment campaigns.

    He stressed the need for businesses to examine their operations and take safety precautions mitigate the impacts and losses caused by fire outbreaks.

    The Commissioner said the government hasd made tremendous progress with  the  compulsory Health Insurance Scheme for residents to ensure adequate healthcare services, which artisans and tradesmen will benefit from

    The scheme would enroll a family of six including the mother, father and four children. The premium will be paid in monthly installments. The family is expected to pay N40, 000 yearly as premium,  N3, 333 monthly.

    However, there are allowances for single or unit enrolments. The premium for single enrolment is N8, 500 per annum, which is N708 premium monthly. Payment platforms will be multi-media and can be made through the phone, community and banks.

    Durosimi-Etti explained that artisans were expected to be residents of the state and must have Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards to benefit from this scheme.

  • Fire guts Aba beverage market

    Shop owners on Tenant road beverage market, Aba, Abia State, have lost goods worth millions of naira to a mysterious fire that engulfed the building.

    It was gathered the fire lasted about four hours and took the intervention of men of the fire service to prevent it from spreading to adjourning buildings.

    Market sources said about seven rooms, three beverage stores and four rooms stocked with bags of rice were burnt.

    A resident, Chidiinma, said: “The fire started around 9pm when traders had gone home. The cause could not be ascertained because the people have stopped using electricity for a long time.

    “The damage could have been more if the fire service officers had not arrived in time.”

    A shop owner, who could barely talk, said his family lost all it was able to gather over the years. He appealed to the government to come to their aid.

    The Aba Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Okezie Uche, confirmed the incident. He said the cause of the fire was still unknown.

    According to him, the battled the fire from 9m till about 1am, before they eventually overpowered it. He said they were able to save over a billion naira property.

  • Fire razes judge’s home

    There was a fire outbreak in the home of Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday.
    The afternoon fire was said to have razed his apartment near the court in Ikoyi.
    It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.
    It was learnt that the damage was so severe that the judge had to be temporarily relocated to another location on Island.
    It was learnt that the fire started at the house located on Kalabari Close in Ikoyi, at about 2:40 pm.
    The Lagos State Service were said to have arrived at the scene at about 3:40 pm.
    By the time the firefighters arrived, the first floor of the home had already been gutted by the fire.
    It was learnt the Fire Service was not contacted on time.
    Justice Idris is presently handling several high profile cases, including those of wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, the trials of former governors Orji Kalu (Abia), Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo) and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd), among others.
    Yesterday, the judge ruled on Mrs Jonathan’s application seeking to unfreeze her account.
    He directed parties to file pleadings which will require oral evidence by parties.

  • Eight-day-old baby dies in fire

    Eight-day-old baby dies in fire

    An eight-day-old baby was killed on Saturday when fire razed over 26 shanties at Makoko, a slum community in Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

    The baby, it was gathered, was to have been christened yesterday.

    Residents attributed the cause of the fire to electrical surge.

    It was gathered that no fewer than 20 families were rendered homeless; about six shops were destroyed.

    Fire also gutted the former Stepping Stone Comprehensive Girls College in Satellite Town, Amuwo-Odofin, destroying the West African School Certificate (WASC) results of many old students kept in a locked up office.

    All the 32 flats, which now stand on the old school ground, were razed, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    NEMA Zonal spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye said: “The building is 9/11 Stepping Stone Close, Satellite Town. It was formerly a school compound later converted to 32 residential houses and all of them were affected by the fire.

    “A woman was injured and the WASC results of many former students were burnt while many others were partly affected.

    “Eleven gas cylinders were involved with seven air conditioners. The owner of the complex has been advised to gather all the mutilated certificates, get police report and inform the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for issuance of Certified True Copies of the affected certificates.”

    The fire, Farinloye said, was put out around 12:25am.