Fire Scare at National Assembly: Senators Avert Disaster After Blaze Erupts in Senate Hearing Room

A potential fire disaster was averted at the National Assembly on Wednesday after a fire outbreak in the Senate wing was swiftly contained before it could spread to adjoining offices and facilities.

The incident occurred in the kitchen compartment attached to Senate Hearing Room 107 shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) concluded the screening of Dr. Zainab Marwa, nominee for the position of member representing the North-East on the commission’s board.

Witnesses said smoke suddenly began billowing from the kitchen area, causing brief panic among staff, visitors, and lawmakers present at the venue.

However, the quick response of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who chairs the committee, and Senator Salihu Mustapha helped prevent the situation from escalating.

Sources at the National Assembly disclosed that the fire was traced to a microwave oven that had reportedly been left switched on in the kitchen.

The senators immediately intervened to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading beyond the affected area while emergency responders moved in to secure the premises.

No casualties or injuries were recorded, and there was no immediate report of significant damage to property.

The incident briefly disrupted activities around the hearing room, but normal operations resumed shortly after the fire was extinguished.

Officials are expected to review safety procedures within the National Assembly complex to prevent similar incidents in the future.