CBN speaks on Benue fire outbreak

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has spoken about the fire incident at its branch in Benue State.

The Star had earlier reported that fire gutted a portion of the CBN located at Makurdi, the Benue State capital in the early hours of Thursday.

The fire incident was confirmed by the Director of Benue State Fire Service, Donald Ikyaaza, noting that the inferno started from the bank’s fuel dome.

Ikyaaza added that he received a distress call about the inferno and promptly deployed some officers to the scene.

However, the CBN, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Osita Nwanisobi, said the fire incident was minor with no damage to the branch.

Nwanisobi, in a statement titled, ‘Minor fire checked at CBN Makurdi branch’, noted that swift response of the bank’s security unit helped to put out the fire and prevent any damage to the apex bank’s building.

He added that the fire started from the fuel dump behind the bank’s building, sending smoke into the atmosphere.

The statement read: “A minor fire occurred at our Makurdi Branch at about 7.00 a.m. today, Thursday, April 21, 2022, and was swiftly checked moments after it was detected.

“The prompt response of the bank’s security and facility management units as well as support from the Benue State Fire Service helped to fight the fire and prevented any damage the fire might have caused to the main office building.

READ ALSO: Fire guts CBN office in Benue

“Reports indicate that the fire started from the fuel dump behind the branch building sending smoke into the atmosphere.

“Fortunately, there were no fatalities and the affected site has since been cordoned off for further investigation. Normal work has also continued at the branch.

“We hereby assure the general public that the minor fire that occurred has been effectively put out and no damage was done to the Makurdi branch of the bank,” Nwanisobi stated.

The Star