By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A fire outbreak disrupted proceedings at the Senate wing of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, forcing lawmakers, staff and guests to evacuate Senate Hearing Room 107. The incident occurred shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), chaired by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, concluded the screening of Dr. Zainab Marwa for appointment to the NDDC board. Witnesses said smoke emerged from an attached kitchen area, causing panic and prompting an emergency evacuation before officials contained the fire.
Fire Erupts After NDDC Screening Exercise
News Point Nigeria gathered that the incident happened moments after the committee completed the screening session.
Witnesses said thick smoke suddenly billowed from the kitchen compartment attached to the hearing room. As a result, senators, parliamentary staff and visitors rushed out of the building for safety.
The confusion interrupted activities within the Senate wing and drew the attention of emergency responders and nearby staff.
Eyewitnesses Cite Possible Cause
Several eyewitnesses linked the fire to a microwave allegedly left unattended in the kitchen area.
In a video that later circulated on social media, some staff members claimed a spark from the appliance may have triggered the incident.
However, another witness pointed to a gas appliance and suggested it could have caused the fire.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the outbreak.
Firefighting Efforts Face Challenges
Staff members immediately attempted to contain the blaze using available firefighting equipment.
However, inadequate water supply slowed the response.
Witnesses repeatedly shouted that water was running low as efforts intensified to stop the flames from spreading.
The situation also exposed concerns about emergency preparedness within the National Assembly complex.
Some staff questioned the availability and functionality of fire extinguishers near the hearing room.
Senators and Staff Prevent Major Disaster
Despite the challenges, lawmakers and parliamentary staff worked together to control the fire.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Salihu Mustapha and several staff members joined efforts to extinguish the flames.
Their swift intervention prevented the incident from escalating into a larger disaster.
No Casualties Recorded
The kitchen section sustained visible damage, particularly to furniture and electrical appliances stored in the area.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Officials restored normal activities after bringing the situation under control.
Senate Yet to Issue Official Statement
Attempts to obtain an official reaction proved unsuccessful.
The Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, could not be reached for comment.
As of the time of filing this report, the Senate had not released an official statement on the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage.
