Tragedy struck in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on New Year’s Day as a residential fire claimed the life of an 11-year-old child.
The incident was among several fire outbreaks recorded across the country during the festive period, with cases reported in Abuja, Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara and Bayelsa states.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Paul Abraham, said firefighters in Bayelsa responded to a blaze involving a wooden residential structure in Yenagoa. While properties valued at about N10 million were salvaged, losses were estimated at N20 million.
Abraham said preliminary findings indicated that the fire was triggered by an unattended candle, adding that the child lost his life before help could arrive.
He also disclosed that firefighters were mobilised shortly after midnight to another fire outbreak at Cake Hot Restaurant, located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.
The FFS, working alongside the FCT Fire Service, contained the fire promptly and prevented it from spreading within the busy recreational area.
According to him, no life was lost and no injuries were recorded in the Abuja incident. Property valued at about N1.5 billion was saved, while losses were estimated at N500 million.
Preliminary investigations linked the fire to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, underscoring long-standing warnings against the use of fireworks.
Abraham said fire crews also responded swiftly to incidents in Lagos, Imo, Gombe and Kwara states, containing the blazes and minimising damage.
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Adeyemi Adeyemi, expressed sympathy with victims of the fires and urged Nigerians to observe safety precautions, especially during the harmattan season.
He advised residents to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use, avoid fireworks and open flames indoors, and report fire outbreaks promptly.
“From Abuja to Yenagoa, fire can break out in seconds. With vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable. Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations,” Adeyemi said.
He added that the nationwide response by firefighters at the start of the year reflects the service’s commitment to readiness and public safety, even as the country is reminded of the dangers posed by fire.