A fire outbreak on Wednesday gutted a privately owned hospital in Bida, Niger State, sending residents of the Chaniyan community into panic.
The fire broke out at Azman Hospital shortly after power was restored in the area around 2 a.m.
Similarly, another tragic fire incident struck the Agbokim Waterfall community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, destroying five houses and valuables worth millions of naira.
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The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development, noting that the fire was believed to have started as a result of a power surge.
“At about 2 AM, there was a fire incident at Azman Hospital, Bida. It was reported that when electricity was restored in the area, there was an upsurge, which led to the fire in the hospital.
“The entire hospital was burnt, but no life was lost during the incident. However, further investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
An eyewitness, Thomas Akam, recounted that the Agbokim Waterfall fire was triggered by a leaking petrol jerrycan kept in one of the buildings, which caught fire after coming in contact with an open flame.
He said, “The fire originated from a leak in a petrol jerrycan stored inside one of the buildings. The petrol spill ignited after coming into contact with an open flame near the premises, sparking the devastating fire.”
“This tragedy affected the entire community deeply. Among the victims was the residence of the Etung Council Vice Chairman, Hon. Assam Amba. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the destruction was terrible”, Akam stated.
Akam explained that the blaze quickly escalated, and with no fire service personnel available to intervene, it caused extensive and uncontrollable destruction.
The State Fire Service Director, Dennis Ajom, stated that his team responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from their station in the neighboring Ikom Local Government Area.
“Our team was quick to mobilise upon being informed. We are currently compiling a full report on the incident,” he stated.
