FCTA launches probe into Next Cash & Carry fire outbreak
By Omotayo Edubi
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said it will begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s morning inferno at one of Abuja’s shopping mall, Next Cash and Carry.
The fire reportedly started between 6 and 8am according to eyewitnesses.
Unfortunately, the in-house firefighting truck developed a fault and could not be used, leaving the facility managers to wait for emergency services to turn out.
Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who expressed distress and deep sadness over the fire incident said the administration would instigate a probe of the incident.
“He equally commended the FCT FEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, Security agencies and other responders for their efforts in containing the blaze.
“Malam Bello also assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the fire incident in an effort to prevent a reoccurrence in any other business establishment within the FCT”, the statement added.
Spokeswoman of the Federal Fire Service FFS, Ugo Huan also confirmed the incident and urged motorists to consider using alternative routes.
“Next Cash and Carry Store in Jahi, Abuja is currently on fire. The Federal Fire Service has turned out firefighters to the scene, who are currently fighting the fire.
“The Public are to take note and avoid that route”, she said in a text message to our correspondent.
Also, Director, Forecasting Response Mitigation in the FCT Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, said the agency received a distress call around 9:45am and a team was immediately dispatched to the location.
She said as of the town of the report, there was no casualty.