Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A wave of fires linked to electrical faults destroys property worth more than ₦650 million across Abuja within 32 hours, prompting renewed safety warnings from fire officials.
The Federal Fire Service says the incidents occurred at multiple locations in January 2026, exposing vulnerabilities in electrical safety practices across markets and commercial centres.
According to the service’s spokesperson, DCF P. O. Abraham, the latest blaze broke out at 2:51 a.m. on January 19 at retail shops along Abacha Road in Maraba, near the Abuja–Keffi expressway.
Firefighters from the Garki and Nyanya stations respond swiftly, saving property valued at ₦100 million, although losses reach ₦300 million.
The incident follows earlier fires at the Kugbo Furniture Market and Leventis Plaza just hours apart.
Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, says preliminary findings link all three fires to electrical surges.
“These losses are largely preventable,” Adeyemi says. “If appliances are switched off when not in use, many of these incidents can be avoided.”
He adds that while over ₦2.8 billion in assets are protected through rapid response, the ₦650 million lost in 32 hours underscores the cost of negligence.
Officials urge residents to unplug electrical devices when idle and report fires promptly through the emergency line 0803 200 3557.
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu 