A fire outbreak at Tunga, opposite GT Bank and behind Tunga Motel, has razed several shops, including a furniture store, a gas cylinder shop, and parts of the motel, destroyed in Niger State.
The incident, on Monday, escalated due to the hostile attitude of some youths towards the firefighters who responded to the emergency.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to Lapai TV under the condition of anonymity, the fire broke out suddenly, prompting concerned individuals to immediately contact the fire service. However, it reportedly took over 30 minutes for the firefighters to arrive at the scene. Frustrated by the perceived delay, angry youths began stoning the fire service personnel and chanting “ba mu so” (we don’t want you).
Sensing the danger, the fire service driver fled to Ostrich Bakery for safety. Efforts by community elders and some onlookers to appeal to the agitated youths to allow the firefighters to carry out their duty proved futile. This hostility forced the firefighters to return to their base, leaving residents to tackle the inferno with limited resources.
With no other option, locals scrambled for water to contain the blaze. Despite the arrival of a water tanker belonging to a nearby construction company, the absence of a long hose and the intensity of the fire made the intervention largely ineffective.
The flames spread further, destroying more property, including parts of the motel and nearby shops.
Commenting on the incident, an eyewitness suggested there may have been genuine reasons for the delayed response by the fire service, such as the ongoing road construction in the state capital, which may have hindered access to the location. He urged the public to exercise patience and avoid taking laws into their own hands during emergencies.
“The youths’ ignorance and aggression worsened the situation, leading to devastating losses for shop owners and business operators.
The fire service may have been delayed, but their presence was still critical in containing the fire. We must learn to give others the benefit of doubt and work together in times of crisis,” he added.
The incident highlights the need for public awareness on the critical role of emergency responders and the dangers of obstructing their duties. Proper communication and understanding between the public and authorities are essential to preventing further tragedies.
Property owners affected by the fire are now counting their losses, with many calling for improved firefighting infrastructure and a faster emergency response system to mitigate future disasters.
