The tranquility of a Tuesday evening in Aba, Abia State, was shattered by a devastating inferno that consumed a two-story building on Lagos Street, leaving a trail of destruction and unanswered questions. The blaze, which erupted around 7:30 pm, rapidly engulfed the second floor, reducing two flats to ashes and rendering all possessions within irretrievable. The incident sparked outrage and prompted an immediate investigation by Governor Alex Otti, who expressed his fury at the unavailability of the Abia Fire Service.
Governor Otti, upon visiting the scene of the disaster, was met with a grim picture of devastation. The two flats on the upper floor were completely obliterated, leaving the victims with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Governor immediately ordered a high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and the shocking absence of the fire service personnel. He questioned how the fire service officers could have their phones switched off during such a critical incident, effectively cutting off communication and hindering a timely response.
The Governor’s anger was palpable as he recounted the efforts made by Chukwunenye Anajemba, the Head of Abia State Fire Service and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security. Mr. Anajemba had rushed from Umuahia to Aba in the middle of the night, desperately trying to mobilize the local fire service and secure water trucks, but to no avail. The unavailability of the Aba fire service personnel dramatically hampered the efforts to contain the blaze, allowing it to spread unchecked and inflict maximum damage.
The investigation ordered by Governor Otti seeks to uncover the root cause of the fire, whether it was an accident or a result of negligence. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the fire may have originated in the tenant’s flat, possibly due to an unattended stove. However, the full details will only emerge after a thorough investigation. Beyond determining the cause, the Governor’s inquiry will focus on the operational failures of the Aba fire service and why they were unreachable during this emergency.
Governor Otti also emphasized the crucial role of individual preparedness in fire safety. He stressed the importance of every household having a fire extinguisher, highlighting how its presence could have made a significant difference in containing the initial flames and potentially preventing the catastrophic spread of the fire. He plans to propose legislation to the state House of Assembly, mandating the installation of fire extinguishers in all households across the state. This proactive measure aims to empower residents with the immediate means to combat fires and minimize losses in future incidents.
The victims of the inferno shared harrowing accounts of their escape and the devastating loss they suffered. The landlord, Mr. Vincent Uzuegbu, a retiree, was alerted by the frantic knocks of his tenant, Mr. Obinna Obi, and his wife, Ugochi. Emerging from his flat, Mr. Uzuegbu was met with a scene of chaos – smoke and flames engulfing the building. He and his wife escaped with only the clothes they were wearing. Mr. Obi, a metal scrap dealer, and his wife were equally devastated. Mrs. Obi recounted the terror of fleeing her home with her children, naked and terrified, as the fire raged. She tragically revealed the loss of N20 million in cash, entrusted to her husband by a client for a business transaction just the day before. The families, left with nothing, are now relying on the kindness of others for shelter and basic necessities. Governor Otti offered words of solace and assured the victims of government support to mitigate their losses and assist them in finding alternative accommodation. While lamenting the material devastation, the Governor expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the inferno. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety preparedness and the vital role of a responsive and effective fire service in safeguarding lives and property.
