There was panic at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex on Monday when a fire broke out, destroying parts of the facility and forcing workers to flee for safety.
The incident, which occurred on the ground floor of the Podium Block, caused heavy smoke and commotion among civil servants and visitors. However, no life was lost, according to the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown.
Speaking at the scene, Brown confirmed that the fire started at the right wing of the Podium Block and that emergency responders were immediately mobilised.
“We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of the Podium Block, and we immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service,” she said. “They responded promptly, alongside other partners of the state such as Renaissance, the Federal Fire Service, and the military, who also sent their fire trucks. It was a combined effort, and thankfully, the fire has now been contained.”
The Head of Service commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his earlier investment in the state’s fire service, noting that the prompt response prevented the incident from escalating.
“We thank God, and we also thank His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the Fire Service. If not for that investment, the situation could have been much worse,” she added.
Brown also confirmed that medical personnel were on standby to handle any possible emergencies, while preliminary findings suggest that the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault.
She urged civil servants to adopt better safety practices in their offices, especially by unplugging electrical devices when not in use.
“We must take responsibility for our safety. Switch off sockets and lights completely, not just turn them off. These buildings are heritage structures, and we must ensure they are protected from future incidents,” she said.
The Head of Service assured that the state government, under Governor Fubara, is already working on plans to refurbish the affected structures, and further details will be made public soon.
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