The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has confirmed that a fire outbreak engulfed 10 shops in Wuse Market, Abuja, on Tuesday.
According to Mrs. Nkechi Isa, the Head of Public Affairs for FEMA, the incident occurred without any loss of life, although the cause of the fire remains unknown. Isa reported that the fire was swiftly brought under control by a joint effort from the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, and Julius Berger Fire Department.
The FEMA spokesperson revealed that the agency received a distress call regarding the fire at 4:05 pm through the 112 emergency toll-free number. In response, FEMA activated its stakeholders, including the FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, FCT Police Command, and Julius Berger Fire Service, to provide maximum assistance.
Mr. Mohammed Sabo, the acting Director General of FEMA, emphasized the importance of equipping homes and businesses with basic firefighting equipment such as extinguishers and fire blankets. Sabo highlighted that none of the 10 affected shops had a fire extinguisher.
He urged market management to implement fire safety measures and cautioned residents against storing flammable materials in their homes.
Meanwhile, Mr. Innocent Amaechina, spokesman for the Abuja Market Management Ltd (AMML), confirmed the fire outbreak, clarifying that only a section of the market was affected.
He dispelled rumors circulating on social media claiming that the entire market was engulfed in flames.
Amaechina, unable to determine the cause of the fire, stated that it was first noticed between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. He noted damage to shops, including the AMML office, and several vehicles parked in the northern parking lots of the market.
