The Rivers State government has confirmed that an electrical fault caused the fire which razed part of its secretariat on Monday.
The Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, explained that no lives were lost.
She, however, disclosed that property worth millions of naira was destroyed on the ground floor of the Podium Block in the complex.
Addressing newsmen, the Head of Service praised the quick response of firefighters in putting out the inferno, stressing that their swift response prevented further damage.
Dr. Brown also appreciated Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his foresight in rehabilitating fire service stations across the state.
She said, “Other partners to the state also sent fire services. The Federal Fire Service and the military deployed their trucks as well. So, it was a combined effort, and the fire has been contained.
“We thank His Excellency for being proactive in rehabilitating the state fire service before now; otherwise, the situation would have been worse.
“From the preliminary report we received, the fire was caused by an electrical fault. But we thank God that no life was lost and no medical incident was recorded.”
She further urged civil servants in the state to take responsibility by ensuring that all electrical appliances are switched off at the close of work before leaving their offices.
Earlier, Naijaonpoint had reported that the fire affected the section that houses the Rivers State Pension Board.
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