A devastating fire outbreak on Saturday evening razed a one-storey building opposite Geneza Hotel along Onwe Road in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, with residents accusing the Ebonyi State Fire Service of responding more than two hours after the incident began.
The fire incident, which reportedly started around 6:45 p.m., lasted for over an hour before it was eventually brought under control at about 7:50 p.m., causing panic among residents and motorists along the busy Onwe Road axis.
Eyewitnesses said the inferno completely destroyed the building and valuables inside, while two 13-month-old twins narrowly escaped death after their mother reportedly stepped out briefly to buy items from a nearby market.
According to residents, the fire started shortly after electricity supply was restored in the area by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company. Witnesses said a loud explosion-like sound was heard moments before flames engulfed the building.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the sound triggered fear in the neighbourhood as occupants of nearby buildings hurriedly moved their belongings and vehicles away from the scene.
“We suspect the fire may have been caused by a gas cylinder explosion or an electrical appliance left plugged in before power was restored,” the resident explained.
Residents also expressed frustration over the delayed response from the Ebonyi State Fire Service, alleging that officials initially claimed they lacked fuel to mobilise to the scene.
“It was painful that while the fire was raging, no firefighters were around. We contacted the fire service, but they said they had no fuel to come,” the source added.
Another eyewitness, commercial motorcyclist Olem Mike, praised the management of Geneza Hotel for helping to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
“The hotel management really tried. They provided fire extinguishers and opened their water reservoir to help stop the fire from affecting neighbouring buildings,” he said.
Reports indicate that operatives of the Ebonyi State Fire Service eventually arrived at the scene around 8:47 p.m., more than two hours after the fire outbreak began.
The firefighters reportedly arrived alongside armed policemen in two Hilux vans amid fears of possible attacks from angry residents over the delayed emergency response.
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