Uncertainty As Fire Guts Federal Secretariat, Asaba

A mysterious fire has reportedly engulfed the Federal Secretariat complex along Okpanam Road in Asaba, Delta State capital.

BIGPENNGR understands that the fire raged for a while as it overwhelmed the fire fighting machinery stationed at the complex.

Sources said that the fire was only brought under control after a reinforcement was made from the fire service at Asaba Airport to help contain the situation.

The cause of the fire which reportedly started at the early hours of Tuesday is yet to be established.

The secretariat complex houses most annex offices of Federal ministries, departments and agencies in the state.

It was learnt that the NYSC office, located on the 2nd floor of the Federal Secretariat, was completely razed by the fire.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Olutayo Samuel, who confirmed the burnt NYSC offices at Federal Secretariat Asaba, however dismissed insinuation that the secretariat was set ablaze by hoodlums.

Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Edafe Bright, also dismissed claims that unknown gunmen invaded the secretariat and set it ablaze.

He said that the fire may be due to a faulty  electrical appliance but added that investigation has commenced.