The FCT Fire Spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Tauheed, confirmed that no casualties were recorded following a fire incident at the well-known Samsung Headquarters situated near Banex Junction in Wuse 2, Abuja.
Tauheed issued a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, detailing the sequence of events. He mentioned that a distress call was made at 7:38 p.m. by Mrs. Ngozi, the owner of Mozini Spa located near Furniture House, upon observing the fire outbreak.
The fire was described as commercial in nature and primarily affected a two-story building housing Samsung products. Initial investigations revealed that the fire originated from negligent welding activities close to a pile of empty, flammable cartons.
The response from the Asokoro Fire Station occurred at 7:43 p.m. However, the firefighters encountered hostility from some unruly individuals who pelted their fire truck with stones. To ensure the safety of the firefighters and equipment, the crew leader directed an alternate route and informed the police control room. Subsequently, the police arrived and dispersed the hostile crowd, allowing the firefighters to initiate their efforts.
Despite concerted attempts to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures and a filling station in the vicinity, the delay in commencing the firefighting efforts caused the fire to intensify and spread throughout the building.
While many feared the fire’s expansion to nearby buildings and the filling station, the combined efforts of various fire stations and agencies prevented its spread.
The fire persisted for over six hours, from 7:38 p.m. on Nov. 6 until 01:37 a.m. on Nov. 7, before it was eventually contained. Both the Federal Fire Service and FCT Fire Service maintained a station each on standby until the morning.
The acting director of FCT Fire Service, Engr. Zacchaeus Adebayo, closely oversaw the operations throughout and commended the firefighters for their dedication. He pledged to promptly enhance operational conditions following the incident.
