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Scene of the incident Credit: AIT
A brief fire outbreak caused panic within the Senate wing of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, near a hearing room, on Wednesday.
Video clips circulating on social media showed smoke filling the room as lawmakers and staff responded to the emergency.
Voices in the video could be heard saying, “The fire came from gas,” while another said, “No fire extinguisher.”
Another clip showed Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) exiting the affected area.
According to TVC, the incident occurred shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission concluded the screening of Dr Zainab Marwa, the North-East nominee for the commission’s board
It cited eyewitness accounts and said the fire started in the kitchen compartment of the hearing room, reportedly triggered by a microwave that was left switched on.
It also said Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong and Salihu Mustapha were among those who took immediate action, leading manual efforts alongside others to extinguish the flames using available means, including water and detergents, before the fire could spread.
No casualties were reported, and normal activities in the area resumed shortly afterwards.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the cause of the fire or preventive measures. (The PUNCH)
