By John Wada
A devastating fire outbreak on Thursday evening razed down students' residential apartments in Angwan Lambu, Keffi Local Government Area, leaving several students homeless and without belongings.
The inferno, which eyewitnesses say started shortly after the restoration of power supply by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), quickly engulfed parts of the building, causing extensive damage before help arrived.
Students reportedly noticed smoke billowing from the roof and rushed out seeking assistance. However, efforts to put out the fire were futile until the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) fire service team arrived. By then, a significant portion of the apartment had already been consumed.
Mr. Abashi Duniya Peter, head of the university's fire service, attributed the cause of the fire to an electrical fault and cautioned students on fire safety measures.
"The fire was caused by an electrical fault. While trying to put it out, there was still power supply, which made the situation worse. Students should always switch off their appliances when not in use and avoid sleeping while cooking," he advised.
He further revealed that approximately 45% of the building was destroyed, while firefighters managed to save the remaining 55% from total ruin.
One of the victims, Faith Akawu, narrated her ordeal, explaining how she lost all her possessions in the inferno.
"I was in another room when we heard the spark. Before we knew it, the fire had spread. We lost everything except the clothes we had on and our phones," she lamented.
Reports indicate that due to the intensity of the fire, students were unable to retrieve their belongings, including books and other essentials, leaving them in distress and in urgent need of support.
Authorities and well-meaning individuals are urged to come to the aid of the affected students as they struggle to recover from the tragedy.
