From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
An early morning fire on Thursday, engulfed part of the Makurdi branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) situated at the Old GRA area of the Benue State capital.
Sources disclosed that the fire which reportedly started from the fuel dome of the bank around 7am quickly became ferocious thus drawing the attention of some workers who immediately raised alarm.
Staff of the bank and members of the community were said to have quickly rushed to the scene before the fire could spread to the main building.
One of our sources who pleaded anonymity disclosed that, the fire started from the power section of the Bank situated a little far from the main building.
Our impeccable source who suspected that the fire may have been caused by a technical fault however said that the fire did not affect other sections of the Bank.
“The fire started from the power house and the security quickly called the fire fighters who came and put it off. It did not escalate to the main building”. The source said.
Efforts by our Correspondent to get comments from the management of the bank failed as security operatives who were drafted to the scene to maintain law and order, prevented newsmen from gaining access into the premises.
However, when contacted, the Director of Benue State Fire Service, Engr. Donald Ikyaaza who confirmed the report said he received a call informing him about the fire and he immediately drafted his men to the scene.
“It was actually a huge fire which started at the company’s fuel dome but my men rushed to the scene and put out the fire before it could spread to other parts of the bank. Everywhere is calm now,” Ikyaaza said.
At the time our correspondent visited the area around 9:30am, there was no sign of any fire incidence as everyone within and around the premises were seen going about their normal businesses while soldiers and other security operatives were also seen guarding the area.
When contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene who confirmed the report, disclosed that the Command received information about the incident from policemen on duty at the bank and swiftly drafted and additional team to the area to ensure orderliness while fighters did their job.