The Police in Rivers State are probing the fire incident Tuesday in Port Harcourt which engulfed a building housing the Rivers State Pensions Board.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the day, sent plumes of smoke into the air, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, though officials confirmed that investigations are already underway.
Honour Sirawoo, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information, confirmed the incident to reporters. He said firefighters from both the Rivers State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service (FFS) arrived promptly at the scene and are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
“Our firefighters are on the ground, doing everything possible to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby offices,” Sirawoo stated. “At this time, we cannot confirm whether there are any casualties.”
The affected offices reportedly belong to the Rivers State Pension Board, which has recently been in the spotlight following administrative changes made by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Last month, the governor dissolved the existing Pension Board inaugurated by Ibok-Ete Ibas, the former sole administrator, and directed the Office of the Accountant-General to temporarily oversee the board’s functions until a new one is constituted.
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While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, eyewitnesses described the incident as “devastating,” noting that several important files and records may have been lost in the blaze. Officials have since cordoned off the area as firefighters continue mop-up operations and investigators assess the aftermath.
The Rivers State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, though sources suggest that an internal review will be launched to determine both the cause of the fire and the safety compliance of other buildings within the secretariat complex.
As of press time, the fire had been largely contained, with no reported fatalities.
