A potential fire incident at the Senate wing of the National Assembly was swiftly contained on Tuesday after lawmakers intervened to prevent the blaze from spreading.
The fire broke out in the kitchen section of Hearing Room 107 shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission concluded the screening of Dr. Zainab Marwa, the nominee representing the North-East on the commission’s board.
Witnesses said smoke began emanating from the area moments after the screening exercise, causing concern among lawmakers, staff and visitors present at the venue.
The committee chairman, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Salihu Mustapha were said to have acted quickly to contain the situation before it escalated into a major emergency.
Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was triggered by a microwave oven that had been left switched on in the kitchen.
Their prompt response helped extinguish the fire before it could cause significant damage to the facility or disrupt activities within the National Assembly complex.
No casualties or injuries were recorded, and normal legislative activities resumed shortly after the situation was brought under control.
Authorities are expected to review safety measures within the complex to prevent similar incidents in the future.
