A journalist with Radio Nigeria’s Globe FM in Bauchi, Murtala Muhammad, has recounted how a fire that broke out from a neighbouring compound during Sallah festivities damaged part of his three-bedroom apartment, though no lives were lost in the incident.
The fire occurred on Thursday night, a day after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, when a cooking fire used for frying Sallah meat reportedly reignited after residents believed it had been completely extinguished.
According to Muhammad, the flames spread from the neighbouring compound and eventually reached the roof of his residence between 11:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.
He explained that he was outside taking tea while his wife was preparing food in the front yard when the danger was discovered.
“They had finished frying meat and put out the fire, but after some time it reignited and spread to our roof. My wife went inside to get something and noticed flames from the rooftop affecting one of our bedrooms,” he said.
Upon noticing the fire, Muhammad immediately raised an alarm, prompting neighbours to rally together in an effort to contain the blaze.
He disclosed that one of the neighbours repeatedly contacted the Fire Service but received no immediate response. Another resident reportedly rode a motorcycle to the nearest Fire Service station to seek assistance directly.
“The Fire Service eventually arrived with a fire truck and joined efforts to extinguish the fire,” he said.
Although the fire destroyed several valuable belongings and damaged parts of the building, Muhammad expressed gratitude that no casualties were recorded.
“I lost valuable property, but I thank Allah that no life was lost,” he added.
Muhammad also praised the owner of the compound where the fire originated, popularly known as Wakilin Birni, a former member of the House of Representatives and former APC Bauchi South senatorial candidate, for taking responsibility for the incident.
According to him, the former lawmaker apologised, provided temporary accommodation for his family on the night of the incident, and later undertook repairs on the damaged sections of the apartment.
“He accommodated my family and me in his house that night. He has repaired the damaged part of my apartment, repainted it, and supported me in several other ways. I appreciate his assistance and sense of responsibility,” Muhammad said.
The incident ended without loss of life, thanks to the swift intervention of neighbours and emergency responders.
