Governor Alex Otti of Abia has announced a new initiative to make fire extinguishers mandatory in all buildings across the state, following a catastrophic fire that completely destroyed a two-story residential building at No. 73, Lagos Street, Aba.
This tragic incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, left residents homeless and caused millions of Naira in damages.
The fire, which ravaged the second floor of the building, fortunately did not result in any loss of life. However, the damage was severe, leaving residents without their belongings and property owners facing significant financial losses. Governor Otti visited the scene the following Friday to assess the situation and express his concerns. He emphasized the crucial role of fire safety measures in preventing such disasters, particularly the availability of basic firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers.
“We must prioritize fire safety, and one of the easiest ways to prevent a fire from becoming a full-scale disaster is by having fire extinguishers on hand,” Otti stated. “Had there been fire extinguishers in place, this fire could have been contained before it spread.”
Mandatory Fire Extinguishers to Be Enforced
Governor Otti further stressed the importance of fire safety for all residents in the state, declaring that the government would soon enforce regulations requiring the installation of fire extinguishers in all buildings. “This is a message that needs to spread throughout Abia. We will be enforcing the installation of fire extinguishers. It is essential that everyone complies,” the Governor said.
In addition to the fire extinguisher mandate, Otti called for a comprehensive investigation into the origin of the fire as well as the delayed response from the State Fire Service. Despite significant investments in the Fire Service, including the purchase of new equipment and vehicles, the fire department’s response was slow, and their failure to respond promptly may have contributed to the severity of the disaster.
“I was in Abuja when I heard about the fire. As soon as I arrived, I went straight to the scene. It is a very painful situation, and we need to investigate why the Fire Service did not respond as expected. They have been equipped with the right tools, but this time they failed to act quickly,” Otti remarked.
Government Support for Victims
Governor Otti assured the victims of the fire that the state government would provide support to help them recover. He promised assistance to secure temporary housing and financial aid to help lessen the impact of the tragedy. Otti also expressed relief that no lives were lost, emphasizing that while property can be replaced, lives cannot.
“The victims of this disaster will not be left to fend for themselves. We will provide them with the necessary support to help them rebuild,” Otti said.
Personal Accounts of the Fire Tragedy
The landlord of the affected property, Mr. Vincent Uzuegbu, shared his traumatic experience of the fire. Around 10:30 p.m., he and his wife were startled by loud knocking on their door from a tenant who warned them about the fire. Upon rushing outside, Uzuegbu saw the flames spreading quickly. With the help of some neighbors, he attempted to locate the source of the fire and salvage his belongings. However, smoke and flames made it impossible to enter the building. Despite their efforts to use a fire extinguisher and water, the fire spread uncontrollably.
“I did everything I could. I tried to put out the fire, but the ceiling above the staircase collapsed. That was the last time I saw my house that night,” Uzuegbu recalled, his voice heavy with emotion. “I watched helplessly as everything I had went up in flames. This house was my livelihood, my future, and now it’s gone.”
Now staying with a neighbor, Uzuegbu appealed to the government for assistance in recovering from the loss. He explained that the fire destroyed his primary source of income, leaving him in a precarious financial situation.
Another victim, Mrs. Ugochi Obinna, described the horrifying moment when she and her children were awakened by smoke filling their room. After realizing the fire had spread outside, she struggled to evacuate her family. Unfortunately, her children collapsed from smoke inhalation, and it wasn’t until neighbors arrived to force open the door that they were able to escape.
“We lost everything in that fire. My husband’s business money, important documents, and all our personal belongings are gone,” Mrs. Obinna said, tears welling up in her eyes. “Since the fire, we’ve been living off the kindness of others. It’s been extremely difficult.”
Her husband, Mr. Obi Obinna, who was away during the fire, recalled receiving a distressing phone call from his wife. By the time he arrived home, their entire apartment had been destroyed by the flames.
Enforcing Fire Safety for a Safer Future
Governor Otti’s initiative to enforce the installation of fire extinguishers in all buildings in Abia is seen as a critical step toward preventing future tragedies. With ongoing investigations into the fire’s cause and the delayed response of the Fire Service, the state government is committed to making fire safety a top priority. These efforts aim to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again, and that residents are better prepared to handle emergencies.
