Worried by the incessant fire incidents in parts of the nation’s capital in recent times, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service has begun the sensitisation of residents on the need to reduce the menace to save lives and properties.
Speaking during one of the sensitisation exercises held in Dutsen Alhaji community in Bwari area council on Thursday, the Acting Director, of FCT Fire Service, Engr Sani Saidu noted that there are over 20 cases of fire outbreaks in the area alone, from January to the end of February this year.
Saidu explained that the sensitisation exercise was meant to address the frequent fire outbreaks in Dutsen Alhaji community and other communities in the area, which have destroyed properties.
Represented by the head of the fire prevention and protection unit of the service, Timveh Jeremiah, the acting director frowned at the blockade of the access road into the community by traders, hawkers and Okada riders, making it difficult for the fire service trucks to access the community anytime there are fire incidents or other emergencies in the area.
He called on the leader of the community, the Hakimi of Dutsen Alhaji, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Bako, to warn residents of the area against blocking the only access road into the community, adding that the sensitisation exercise would continue in other communities in the area.
Free the access road
Responding, the Hakimi of Dutsen Alhaji, thanked the FCT Fire Service for organizing the sensitisation exercise in the community, adding that it will help reduce frequent fire outbreaks in the area.
Represented by the Waziri of the community, Mallam Ibrahim Sarki, Bako, however, called on the FCT administration to help in removing all structures and obstructions, as well as all those blocking the access road.
He noted that the community, on its own, does not have the power to remove any obstruction on the access road into the community, adding that it is the administration that has such powers and authority to do so.
The Hakimi also attributed the frequent fire outbreaks in the community to power surges from the public power supply, noting that the outbreaks often occur at night when the electricity supply to the area is higher.
The sensitisation exercise, which took place at the palace of the Hakimi of Dutsen Alhaji, attracted residents of the area, including the village heads and leaders in the community.
Emmanuel Ukoh
