🔥BREAKING: Midnight Inferno Engulfs Rivers State Secretariat — Head of Service Blames Electrical Fault, Praises Governor Fubara’s Swift Response

Panic gripped workers and passersby in Port Harcourt on Monday as fire gutted a section of the Rivers State Secretariat, sending thick smoke billowing into the night sky and prompting an emergency response from fire and security agencies.

The inferno, which reportedly broke out at the right wing of the ground floor in the Podium Block, was swiftly contained through the combined efforts of the Rivers State Fire Service, the Federal Fire Service, the Renaissance, and military fire units.

Confirming the incident, the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi S. I. Brown, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, attributing the quick containment to the proactive investment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in strengthening the state’s emergency response capacity.

> “We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block and we immediately made calls to the Rivers State Fire Service, who responded promptly,” Dr. Brown told reporters at the scene.
“We also reached out to our partners — the Renaissance, Federal Fire Service, and the military — who all sent their fire trucks. It was a coordinated effort, and thankfully, the fire has been contained.”

The Head of Service commended Governor Fubara’s foresight in refurbishing the Fire Service earlier in the year, noting that the quick intervention prevented the blaze from escalating into a disaster that could have destroyed vital government records and infrastructure.

> “We thank God and we thank His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the Fire Service before now. Without that, this would have been much worse,” she remarked.

Preliminary findings, according to Dr. Brown, suggest that an electrical fault may have sparked the fire. She urged all civil servants to be safety-conscious and adhere to basic preventive measures to avoid a recurrence.

> “We must all take responsibility for safety — switch off and unplug all sockets and electrical appliances after work. These buildings are heritage assets, and we must protect them,” she advised.

Dr. Brown further disclosed that the State Government is already taking steps to refurbish the affected offices and restore normal operations at the Secretariat.

Security personnel have since cordoned off the affected area, while officials assess the extent of damage to public property.