ABUJA – A fire engulfed a section of the Senate wing of the National Assembly complex on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers and legislative staff to scamper for safety and briefly disrupting parliamentary activities at the country’s apex legislative institution.
The incident occurred at Hearing Room 107 shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) concluded the screening of Dr. Zainab Marwa, the nominee representing the North-East geopolitical zone on the commission’s board.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire originated from a kitchen compartment attached to the hearing room, with sources suggesting that a microwave oven that had been left switched on may have triggered the blaze. Some eyewitness accounts in video clips circulating on social media could be heard saying, “The fire came from gas,” while another voice said, “No fire extinguisher”.
Smoke was seen billowing from the committee room moments after the screening exercise ended, causing a brief commotion as officials and visitors rushed to ascertain the source of the fire. One video circulating online captured Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) exiting the affected area as the emergency unfolded.
However, swift action by two lawmakers helped avert what could have developed into a major disaster. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District, alongside Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central), remained at the scene and coordinated manual efforts to contain the flames. Using available materials including water and detergents, the two senators and other occupants succeeded in extinguishing the fire before it could spread to adjoining offices and other sections of the National Assembly complex.
No casualties were recorded, and officials confirmed that no sensitive documents or valuable property were destroyed before the fire was successfully brought under control. Normal legislative activities reportedly resumed shortly after the incident.
However, there were claims that journalists present at the scene were directed by committee officials to delete photographs and video recordings captured during the incident. As of press time, the management of the National Assembly had yet to issue an official statement on the fire or on preventive measures.
ANN Politics
Tags
News