From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Port Harcourt
Fire outbreak on Monday gutted parts of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, destroying official documents and causing panic among workers.
The incident occurred at the right wing of the ground floor of Podium Block, which houses several key offices.
The Head of Civil Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, confirmed that there were no casualties, while addressing journalists at the scene of the fire outbreak.
Dr Brown explained that the fire started suddenly, prompting an immediate call to emergency responders.
According to her, the Rivers State Fire Service was the first to arrive and was soon joined by the Federal Fire Service, Renaissance and the military, who deployed trucks to assist in extinguishing the flames.
“It was a combined effort, and as we speak, the fire has been contained,” Brown stated.
She thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for strengthening the state fire service, saying the proactive investment helped avert what could have been a bigger disaster.
The head of service added that although no life was lost, medical teams were stationed on ground to manage possible emergencies during the incident.
Preliminary report suggests that the fire may have been caused by electrical fault within the building.
She urged civil servants to prioritise safety by turning off and unplugging electrical appliances to prevent residual charges that could trigger fire.
“These buildings are heritage structures and we must do everything to protect them,” she cautioned.
She assured that Governor Fubara is working on measures to refurbish the affected blocks, with details to be made public soon.
