Presidency Speaks On Fire Outbreak Inside Aso Rock, Says No Loss Of Life Was Recorded

The Presidency has dismissed reports circulating online that there was a fire outbreak inside the perimeter of Aso Rock, the seat of the Nigerian government.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, dismissed the report, saying there was no fire breakout inside the Presidential Villa.

He, however, clarified that on Saturday night, a fire broke out burning shrubs between the villa and the army barracks “towards Asokoro”, but no loss of life or whatsoever to building and property was recorded.

“People in the country and even abroad have been expressing concerns over reports of a fire incident in Aso Rock Villa, the seat of the Nigerian government. I would like to clarify that there was no fire inside the Presidential Villa,” he said.

“In the evening of Saturday, March 6, a fire broke out burning shrubs between the outer wire fence and walls surrounding the Villa, precisely in the area between the Villa and the Barracks, towards Asokoro.

“The fire, as being speculated, might have started from a passerby dropping a burning cigarette. The Federal Fire Service will ascertain the reason for it when they complete their investigation.

“It suffices to say that this bush fire, which started and ended outside the perimeter walls of the Villa, was seamlessly contained by fire stations of the State House and the one nearby from the Federal Fire Service. No loss of life, no loss whatsoever to building and property was recorded.”

This is coming nine months after the shooting incident that involved security aides attached to the first lady, Aisha Buhari, and Sabiu Yusuf, who is President Buhari’s nephew and Special Assistant.