Fire guts Kachikwu’s Abuja residence

   …not a serious matter, says Ministry

The embattled Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, narrowly escaped a major tragedy on Sunday evening as a fire outbreak occurred at his private residence in the highbrow Asokoro District of Abuja. New Telegraph gathered that the fire emanated from a power surge on one of the airconditioners in his bedroom.

Although Kachikwu was reportedly not at home when the fire began, his family members aided by security personnel guarding the premises were able to put off the fire before it could spread to other parts of the building. Security operatives guarding the entrance to the highbrow estate prevented journalists from accessing the building and there was no visible sign of an inferno from the outside.

However , a source at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources confirmed that there was a fire outbreak at the minister’s residence on Sunday evening. “Yes, it is true but this is off record because you know I am not supposed to talk on the matter.

There was fire outbreak; the minister was not at home but the security men on duty mobilised and put out the fire. It’s a minor incident and I don’t think it is a big deal,” the source said.

Special Assistant to the Minister on Media Affairs, Mr Uche Adighibe, could not comment on the development when our correspondent called him on his mobile phone. Adighibe said he was driving but did not pick the subsequent calls made to his phone.

But confirming the incident to NAN, the Director, Press Relations in the Ministry, Mr Idang Alibi, said there was no substantial damage. ”Yes. Yes, I can confirm it happened. There was a minor fire incident but it’s nothing to worry about. ”No life was lost, no one was injured and there was no substantial damage. Thank you,” Alibi said.