Governor Otti Demands Answers Over Fire Outbreak, Pledges Support to Victims

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has instructed his Senior Special Assistant on Homeland Security to launch a comprehensive investigation into the fire incident that recently engulfed a two-storey building at 73 Lagos Street in Aba.

The directive comes amid widespread concern over reports that the phone lines of the local Fire Service were switched off during the emergency, rendering them unreachable as the building was being consumed by flames.

During his visit to the affected residents on Friday, Governor Otti expressed sympathy for their losses and assured them of the government’s support, including provision of temporary shelter. He also gave thanks that no lives were lost in the incident.

While emphasizing the importance of fire preparedness, the governor announced that the use of fire extinguishers would henceforth be made mandatory in every household across the state. He also stressed the need to determine whether the blaze was accidental or caused by negligence.

“It is disturbing that the Fire Service did not respond as expected. Normally, they arrive within ten minutes. I am surprised by this outcome,” Otti remarked.

He added, “I have instructed an investigation to uncover why the officers’ phone lines were off during the fire outbreak. I need a detailed report on their conduct and why this entire building was allowed to burn without intervention.”

Narrating their ordeal, the landlord of the affected building, Mr. Vincent Uzuegbu, alongside his family and a tenant, Mr. Obinna Obi, explained that the fire began while they were asleep, and unfortunately, they lost all their belongings in the disaster.