NEMA deploys emergency response team as fire taxes 21 shops in Abuja - The Guardian Nigeria News

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed its emergency response team to contain a devastating fire outbreak that affected 21 shops and a vehicle at the popular Kugbo Furniture Market in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on at the weekend.

The agency’s Abuja Operations Office and the Emergency Response and Ambulance Bay received a distress call at exactly 11:15 a.m. regarding the raging inferno, prompting the immediate mobilisation and activation of relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Fire Service, to the scene of the incident.

According to a statement by NEMA’s  national spokesman, Ezekiel Manzo, upon arrival at the densely populated commercial hub, NEMA officials immediately coordinated crowd control measures to ensure public safety and provided crucial logistical support to the firefighters battling the blaze.

The emergency management agency noted that the multi agency collaborative efforts ensured the fire was swiftly dampened, successfully preventing a secondary outbreak or further spread to adjoining properties within the bustling market environment.

“Following the alert, relevant response stakeholders, including the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders, were immediately activated to the scene.

“Upon arrival, NEMA responders supported crowd control efforts and assisted firefighters in containing the blaze,” the statement noted.

Despite the substantial damage to goods and property, NEMA confirmed that no lives were lost during the unfortunate incident.

“No casualties were recorded during the incident. However, a preliminary assessment revealed that one vehicle and 21 shops were affected by the fire,” the agency disclosed.

The emergency operations were successfully concluded at about 1:40 p.m., with rescue operators managing to salvage several valuable items from the affected shops, the agency said.

Giving further assurances, the stated contains that “NEMA remains committed to supporting affected communities and coordinating effective emergency response operations in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.”