The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has assured the management of Next Cash and Carry Supermarket and the business community in Abuja that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the fire incident in an effort to prevent a reoccurrence in any other business establishment within the FCT.
The Minister also expressed shock and deep sadness over the fire incident that engulfed the Next Cash and Carry Supermarket in Abuja on Sunday, 26th December 2021.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Mr Tony Ogunleye, Malam Bello, on behalf of the FCT Administration and the entire residents of the FCT commiserates with the management and staff of the supermarket and the FCT business community over the unfortunate incident.
The Minister commended the FCT Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Fire Service Departments of the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Guards Brigade and Julius Berger Nig. PLC that responded with their fire-fighting equipment.
He equally commended the FCT FEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, Security agencies and other responders for their efforts in containing the blaze.
The FCT Minister of State, Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, sympathized with the management and staff of Next Cash N Carry Supermarket over the fire incident which razed part of the shopping mall on boxing day.
The Minister who was at the scene of the inferno, also commended critical stakeholders for their prompt response, stressing that the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited shows that much would be achieved when people work together.
“Sadly, this is another unfortunate inferno in a festive period being December 26, 2021. From the report so far, the fire might have occurred much earlier before it was reported.
“But as soon as it was reported, we must commend the active and quick response of Federal Fire Service, the Navy, Airforce, Army, FEMA, NNPC, NSCDC and other agencies that came to put off the fire. It is unfortunate it got to this extent.
“But again, we must commend the residents and indigenes of the territory for their collective support. Let us keep this good spirit of oneness. There are no goods that were looted here as being speculated.
“People used their own cars to secure whatever they can secure and you can see some of the items there. It is not in our character to loot other people’s items, and I call on residents to keep the good spirit.
She further said; “Every mall of this standard should have a fire truck available by the side. They should make room for emergencies because of situations like this. Even though our fire men did everything possible to salvage the situation, but it was beyond their control.“
Next Cash and Carry, a popular supermarket located along Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado-kuchi area of Jahi- Kado expressway in Abuja was engulfed by fire and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed.
PIAK
