A devastating fire engulfed a section of the Rivers State Government Secretariat's Podium Block in Port Harcourt on Monday evening, destroying properties, including the offices housing the Rivers State Pension Board. The incident caused panic among workers but, fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
The fire reportedly started around 5:20 pm and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault near the air-conditioning installation area. Firefighters from the Rivers State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and military units worked collaboratively to contain and extinguish the blaze before it could spread further.
The Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, commended the prompt response of the emergency services and highlighted the state's recent investment in fire service capabilities, which helped prevent a more widespread disaster. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently dissolved the Rivers State Pension Board, is expected to oversee efforts to refurbish the damaged secretariat sections.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, while calling on civil servants to take extra precautions with electrical appliances to safeguard the state's heritage buildings. The incident adds urgency to ongoing efforts to modernize and secure government infrastructure in Rivers State.