A fire incident broke out on Saturday at a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Abuja, sparking alarm after videos of the blaze surfaced online.
The inferno affected the FIRS facility located at No. 15 Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, according to a statement issued by Sikiru Akinola, technical assistant (print media) to the executive chairman of the agency.
“The fire, which broke out on the fourth floor of the building, was promptly responded to by our security personnel on duty,” the statement said.
Akinola noted that officers of the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service, alongside other emergency responders, swiftly intervened and were able to bring the situation under control before it spread to other parts of the building.
“With the swift support of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service and other emergency responders, the fire was successfully contained and prevented from spreading further,” he added.
The agency confirmed that no deaths were recorded, though several offices on the affected floor suffered varying degrees of damage.
“We are grateful to report that no lives were lost in the incident. However, a number of offices on the affected floor sustained damage,” the statement read.
An investigation has since been launched to determine the cause of the fire, with early findings suggesting an electrical fault may have been responsible.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire has commenced, with preliminary assessments pointing to a possible electrical fault,” Akinola said, adding that safety measures within the agency are being reviewed.
“In the meantime, all internal safety protocols are being thoroughly reviewed and strengthened to mitigate against future occurrences.”
The incident comes months after a tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, in September, where four FIRS staff members lost their lives. The victims were identified as Ekelikhostse George and David Sunday-Jatto, both assistant directors; Nkem Onyemelukwe, a senior manager; and Peter Ifaranmaye, a manager.
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