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Fire Outbreak at Rivers State Secretariat Causes Panic, No Casualties Reported
A fire at the Rivers State Secretariat on Monday sparked panic but was quickly contained. Head of Service Dr. Inyingi Brown confirmed no casualties, citing electrical faults as the likely cause and praising Governor Fubara’s fire service reforms.
Panic erupted on Monday as a fire broke out at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, sending civil servants and visitors scrambling for safety.
The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, confirmed that there were no casualties in the incident, which occurred on the ground floor of the Podium Block within the secretariat.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, Brown said the fire was swiftly contained through a coordinated effort involving multiple emergency agencies.
“We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block, and we immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service, who responded promptly,” she explained.
“We also reached out to other partners, including the Renaissance, Federal Fire Service, and the military, who sent in their fire trucks. It was a combined effort, and as you can see, the fire has been contained,” she added.
Brown praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his investment in revamping the state’s fire service, which she said played a critical role in preventing the fire from spreading.
“We thank God, and we thank His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before now. Without that, this situation could have been far worse,” she said.
Although no lives were lost, medical teams were on standby to manage any possible emergencies.
According to preliminary findings, the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault. Brown urged civil servants to be vigilant about safety in their offices.
“We must all take responsibility — switch off sockets and unplug appliances when not in use to avoid residual charges. These buildings are heritage structures, and we must protect them,” she cautioned.
She also assured that Governor Fubara’s administration is already working on plans to refurbish and upgrade affected parts of the secretariat, with details to be announced soon.
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