Fire guts Rivers secretariat complex

A late-evening fire on Monday razed part of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, destroying offices and property within the multi-storey building.

The fire reportedly started at the ground floor of the Podium Block shortly after the close of work, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and causing panic among passersby.

It was gathered that the Rivers State Pensions Board, whose office is located nearby, narrowly escaped being affected by the inferno.

The incident occurred barely a week after Governor Siminalayi Fubara dissolved the board.

Sources said the fire, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical fault, was quickly contained through the joint efforts of the Rivers State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, Renaissance Fire Unit, and military personnel, who responded with multiple fire trucks.

Confirming the incident, the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyinge Brown, told journalists that prompt intervention prevented the blaze from spreading to other parts of the secretariat.

We were informed there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of the Podium Block. We immediately contacted the Rivers State Fire Service, and they responded promptly. Other partners—the Renaissance, Federal Fire Service, and the military—also sent in their fire trucks. It was a combined effort, and the fire has been contained,” she said.

Brown attributed the cause of the fire to an electrical fault, noting that no lives were lost. She also commended Governor Fubara for revamping the state’s fire service, saying the outcome could have been worse without the recent rehabilitation of the agency.

“We thank God and His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service. If not for his investment, this situation would have been worse,” she said.

The Head of Service urged civil servants to adopt safety precautions, including switching off and unplugging electrical appliances after office hours, to prevent future occurrences.

“These are heritage buildings. We must take responsibility for our safety by turning off sockets and lights completely before leaving,” she added.

Brown further assured that the state government would move quickly to refurbish the affected offices and restore normal operations at the secretariat.