Gov Otti Orders Probe as Fire Service Officials Allegedly Switched Off Phones During Aba Fire Incident

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has ordered a full investigation into the fire outbreak that gutted a two-storey building at 73 Lagos Street, Aba, earlier this week. The governor expressed shock and concern that the phone lines of Fire Service officials in Aba were reportedly switched off at the time of the emergency, delaying their response.

During a visit to the affected site on Friday, Otti sympathized with the victims, promising that the state government would provide them with temporary accommodation and other necessary support. While expressing gratitude that no lives were lost, he emphasized the importance of every household owning a fire extinguisher and announced plans to enforce a new policy making fire extinguishers mandatory in all homes across the state.

Governor Otti stressed the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and whether it resulted from natural factors or negligence by the building’s occupants. He also questioned the Fire Service’s delayed response, noting that they typically arrive at fire scenes within ten minutes.

“I need to get a report about the fire service officers and why their phones were put off and this whole place burnt down completely,” Otti said, visibly upset.

The building’s landlord, Mr. Vincent Uzuegbu, along with tenant Mr. Obinna Obi and his wife, recounted that they were asleep when the fire began and were unable to save any of their belongings.