A fire outbreak on Friday affected a section of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, prompting the swift deployment of emergency responders to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

The cause of the fire had not been officially established as of press time, while firefighters and other emergency personnel were seen battling the flames to bring the situation under control.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the affected section of the hospital, triggering concern among patients, visitors and healthcare workers within the facility.

Authorities had yet to confirm whether any casualties or injuries were recorded in the incident. The extent of damage to hospital infrastructure and medical equipment also remained unclear at the time of filing this report.

Investigation underway

Officials are expected to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected area once the fire is completely extinguished.

The investigation will seek to determine the cause of the outbreak and evaluate the extent of losses incurred by the hospital.

Hospital management had not issued a detailed statement on the incident as of press time, although efforts were ongoing to secure the facility and ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Hospital faced scrutiny in 2025

The latest incident comes nearly a year after FMC Jabi attracted national attention over allegations of negligence involving members of its emergency unit.

In June 2025, the Federal Government ordered an investigation following the circulation of a viral video showing accident victims allegedly left unattended after being brought to the hospital by a good Samaritan.

The incident sparked widespread public outrage and renewed discussions about emergency healthcare delivery in public hospitals.

Following the controversy, hospital management launched an internal probe and maintained that the emergency department had adequate medical supplies and patient-care equipment. The Federal Ministry of Health also directed an independent investigation into the matter.

Rising concerns over fire incidents

The fire at FMC Jabi adds to a series of fire outbreaks recorded in the Federal Capital Territory in recent months.

Earlier incidents affected parts of the Federal Secretariat Complex, Karimo Market and other commercial areas in Abuja, resulting in significant property losses and renewed concerns about fire safety compliance.

In December 2025, a major fire also destroyed goods and structures at the popular wood market behind Jabi Upstairs before emergency responders successfully contained the blaze.

Calls for improved safety measures

The recurring incidents have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in public institutions and critical infrastructure across the FCT.

Safety experts continue to advocate regular electrical inspections, routine emergency drills, functional firefighting equipment and stronger compliance with fire prevention protocols, particularly in hospitals, markets and government facilities.

As emergency personnel continued efforts to contain the fire, residents and stakeholders expressed hope that authorities would swiftly determine the cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

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A late-night fire outbreak on Thursday destroyed several shops, offices and other properties along Murtala Mohammed Way in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident occurred near First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and reportedly started from a salvage yard popularly known as the Takumbo Market before spreading to nearby commercial structures.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the Fire Service received a distress call at about 10:54 p.m. from one of its personnel, HFS Ibrahim Sabo, who alerted authorities to the outbreak.

Firefighters from the Service Headquarters and other metropolitan fire stations were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered that a one-storey building and an adjoining commercial area measuring approximately 300 by 200 feet had already been engulfed by flames.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire originated from the Takumbo Market salvage yard, where a significant quantity of goods and property was destroyed before the flames spread to neighbouring buildings.

The fire severely affected the upper floor of the Kanawa Building, destroying two offices, two parlours, two toilets and a kitchen.

Two stores located on the ground floor of TUSRAYS Nigeria Limited were also damaged during the incident.

The Fire Service attributed the cause of the inferno to an electrical spark.

Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents and business owners to adopt preventive safety measures to reduce the risk of fire disasters.

He advised property owners to ensure proper maintenance of electrical installations and strict compliance with safety standards.

Anas also appealed to members of the public to promptly report fire incidents to the nearest fire station to enable rapid emergency response.

“Early reporting helps to minimise damage and save lives and property,” he said.

No casualty was recorded in the incident as of the time of filing this report.

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A fire outbreak on Monday disrupted activities at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, sparking panic among civil servants and visitors. The blaze, which affected the ground floor of the Podium Block, was quickly brought under control through a coordinated emergency response.

Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, confirmed that no casualties were recorded. She commended the swift intervention of the Rivers State Fire Service and its partners  including the Federal Fire Service, the military, and private responders for containing the fire before it spread.

“We were informed of a fire at the right wing of the ground floor of Podium Block and immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service, which responded promptly,” Brown said. “We also received quick support from the Federal Fire Service and other partners. It was a combined effort, and thankfully, the situation is now under control.”

Dr. Brown expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for revamping the state’s fire service infrastructure, noting that his proactive investment in emergency response helped avert a major disaster.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault. The Head of Service advised civil servants to adhere to strict safety measures by switching off and unplugging electrical appliances after work hours to prevent similar incidents.

She added that Governor Fubara has directed plans for the refurbishment of affected sections of the secretariat, assuring that the government remains committed to ensuring a safe and functional work environment for state employees.

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Emergency responders rushed to the scene as flames quickly consumed multiple floors of the building. Dramatic videos shared online showed firefighters battling intense heat and smoke while rescuing trapped individuals from the rooftop.

The Interior Ministry confirmed that most of the victims died from smoke inhalation, with 14 charred bodies yet to be identified. Ambulances continued to transport casualties to hospitals well into the early morning hours.

“This is a deep and painful tragedy. We have lost innocent lives,” said regional governor Mohammed al-Miyahi, who also announced three days of mourning across the province. He assured the public that investigations had begun and legal steps would be taken against those found responsible.

A preliminary account suggests the fire may have started with an electrical fault—possibly linked to an air conditioning unit—triggering a rapid spread through the building. Survivors reported a lack of accessible emergency exits and a delayed evacuation response.

Among those mourning was local resident Dr. Nasir al-Quraishi, who lost five family members. “We only went there to eat and escape the blackout at home. Then everything turned to horror,” he said.

The Corniche Hypermarket had opened just five days earlier, and questions are now being raised about safety compliance and oversight during its construction and operation. Iraq has faced a series of high-profile fires in recent years, often blamed on poor enforcement of building regulations and systemic corruption.

In 2023, a fire at a wedding hall in Nineveh province killed over 100 people, and in 2021, more than 90 lives were lost in a hospital blaze in Nasiriya. These incidents have amplified calls for stricter safety enforcement across the country.

As rescue efforts continue and the death toll could still rise, officials are urging families with missing relatives to visit nearby hospitals and morgues for identification.

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Ojo confirmed the development in a statement shared via her official Instagram page shortly after the incident. She expressed deep gratitude that no lives were lost, acknowledging the efforts of emergency responders and her staff who acted quickly to control the blaze.

“This just happened today around 7 p.m. My office caught fire,” she wrote. “Thanks to the Nigerian Fire Service and my staff for salvaging what was left. Thankfully, no lives were lost. The devil tested us but God said no. With God on my side, we will bounce back bigger and better.”

While the cause of the fire has yet to be disclosed, preliminary reports suggest that the damage was largely confined to the interior of the facility. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of an electrical fault, though a formal investigation is expected to determine the exact cause.

Iyabo Ojo, known for her work in film and fashion, runs several business ventures in Lagos, including a beauty and lifestyle brand. The affected office is believed to house some of her business operations.

The fire incident comes just weeks after the actress made headlines while celebrating her daughter Priscilla Ojo’s engagement to Tanzanian music star Juma Jux.

Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry have since taken to social media to show their support and solidarity with the actress, commending her resilience and spirit.

As of Wednesday morning, officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and fire authorities were said to be assessing the extent of the damage, while further updates are expected once investigations are complete.

The post Fire Engulfs Actress Iyabo Ojo’s Lagos Office, No Casualties Reported appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

According to reports, the fire erupted from one end of the building and rapidly spread, engulfing the entire structure before firefighters arrived. Although no lives were lost, significant property damage was recorded.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with residents scrambling to contain the blaze and assist fire personnel who struggled to reach the building due to obstructed access roads and difficult terrain.

“The fire started suddenly and quickly escalated. The firefighters faced serious challenges because the area is congested and inaccessible to their trucks,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Anambra State Fire Service, through its Media and Publicity Unit led by Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed that two firefighting units and trucks were dispatched after a distress call was received.

“Due to poor road access and the dense layout of the area, our trucks couldn’t get close to the building. Firefighters had to connect hoses across a long distance—approximately four utility poles—to battle the flames,” Chiketa said.

Despite the obstacles, the fire was eventually brought under control. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

The fire service used the incident to highlight the ongoing risk posed by poorly planned urban areas. “This situation underscores the urgent need for proper access roads in residential zones. Communities must prioritise emergency access routes to support timely intervention during crises,” Chiketa added.

He also urged community leaders, landlords, and residents to work with authorities to ensure safer environments, warning that blocked or narrow roads continue to hinder emergency response in many urban centres across the state.

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The blaze, which broke out before dawn, tore through the Wood and Timber section of the market, popularly known as Kara, before fire service officials could contain it. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke and fast-moving flames overwhelming efforts by residents to stop the spread.

Musa Bello, a shop owner, recalled the shock. “We suddenly saw thick smoke, and in minutes, the fire had taken over the entire row of shops,” he said.

Though no fatalities were recorded, the damage was extensive, with many traders counting losses worth millions of naira—especially difficult following recent festive spending during Eid-el-Kabir. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by authorities.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Abuzaid Yari, expressed the state’s sympathy to affected traders, describing the incident as deeply regrettable. “It’s a sad moment for our people. We pray for quick recovery for everyone who suffered losses,” he said.

Yari also acknowledged the efforts of the Kebbi State Fire Service, whose response, though delayed by the fire’s rapid spread, helped prevent a larger disaster. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and businesses across the state.

Kara Market plays a critical role in the local economy, with merchants dealing in timber, agricultural produce, and household essentials. The fire has disrupted livelihoods and raised fresh concerns about safety measures in crowded trading areas.

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Mr. Cosmas Itaka, a senior official of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, confirmed the incident, stating that the fire is believed to have started after 10pm on Monday when the shop owners had left for home.

READ ALSO: Fire Breaks at Popular Abuja Wuse Market

Kingsley Agim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, stated, “We have not determined the cause of the fire, but we estimate the value of the goods, including cocoa chemicals, destroyed to be around N800 million.”

The post Fire Destroys 201 Cocoa Farming Chemical Shops in Ikom, Cross River State appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The incident unfolded in the upscale area of Asokoro in Abuja during the afternoon hours.

Reports indicate that firefighters were slow to respond to the emergency, exacerbating the situation.

READ AALSO: Preliminary Reports Indicate Helicopter Was on Fire Before Herbert Wigwe’s Fatal Crash

While there has been no official statement regarding the incident, Mr. Austine Elemue, the media aide to the minister, confirmed the occurrence but refrained from providing further details.

The cause of the fire outbreak is currently under investigation.

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A late-night gas explosion caused damage to some sections of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos State on Saturday.

Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Amodu Shakiru, disclosed that efforts are ongoing to contain the spread of the fire.

Shakiru said, “There’s been an exploded gas cylinder resulting in a fire which the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is managing within the National Arts Theatre.”

READ ALSO: Breaking News: Fire Incident Reported at Lagos Airport.

Similarly, no fewer than four persons reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries as fire gutted Fat Noble filling station, an independent marketing oil firm along Old Road, opposite Torikoh, Badagry, Lagos State on Wednesday, December 27.

Also, several shops and goods were destroyed following a gas explosion that occurred at a market at the Council bus stop in the Ikotun area of Lagos State, on Saturday.

The current fire incident at the National Arts Theatre is the third fire incident reported in the last seven days in Lagos State.

Source: Punch Newspaper

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