Gov. Otti orders investigations into non response of fire service to Aba inferno

By Editor, Umuahia

In Abia state, the governor, Alex Otti has directed for a full enquiry into alleged unavailability of the fire service during a fire outbreak recently in Aba.

Apparently disappointed with the report that the official contacts of the fire service in Aba was unreachable on the day that the second floor of a two storey building was razed, the governor described the situation as unfortunate.

Governor Otti visited the fire scene and commiserated with the victims who lost everything to the inferno .

The State chief executive, who regretted the report that the phone numbers of the Fire Service men at Aba were switched off further directed that a thorough investigation be done to ascertain why the phone numbers were off during the fire outbreak.

“Its quite unfortunate , the thing is that investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the inferno .

“It’s quite unfortunate that the fire service could not come on time, normally they arrive within ten minutes , I’m confused the way this one turned out.”I have directed them to do a thorough investigation to ascertain why the phone numbers of fire service officers was off during the fire outbreak.

“They are not supposed to put off their phone. It’s really sad that it happened. It’s really unfortunate, but since it has happened, that’s nothing anybody can do about.

” I need to get a report about the fire service officers , why their phones were put off and this whole place burned down completely.

“We spent a lot of money to equip them, buying them vehicles. In the past they have responded very quickly efficiently, but unfortunately, this one they didn’t,” Gov. Otti said.

Mr. & Mrs. Obinna Obi whose flat was affected by the fire said that they were already asleep Tuesday night when the fire incident started.

They said from people alerted them and upon opening the door they saw the whole place was covered with smoke and fire, saying that they tried to get somethings out but could not.

The victims could not identify the cause of the fire outbreak, even as they lost everything .

They appealed to the state government to come to their aid.

He however commiserated with the victims, assuring of government’s support in securing accommodation and reducing the effect of the loss.

He also thanked God that no life was lost in the inferno.

The governor equally disclosed that government would henceforth begin enforcement of owning fire extinguishers by every household .

“Whether is it a natural occurrence or some sort, one was careless with may be stove.

“What we have to learn is that everyone should have fire extinguisher , if you had fire extinguisher, you would have been able to put off the fire,” he said.

Narrating their ordeals, the Landlord of the building, Mr. Vincent Uzuegbu and a family and tenant of the building Mr. Obinna Obi and the wife, said