The House of Representatives has given the Controller-General (CG) of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Jaji Abdulganiyu, a 24-hour ultimatum to appear before its investigative panel over a tragic fire truck accident in Abuja that claimed the lives of three individuals and injured several others.
The directive came on Tuesday after the CG failed to honour an earlier invitation from the House. Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isah, who issued the ultimatum, expressed concern that despite disturbing videos from the accident scene circulating on social media, the Fire Service had not issued a timely public statement.
In response, the House ordered the Fire Service to take immediate steps to visit and console the bereaved families, settle the medical bills of the injured, and initiate adequate compensation processes. The lawmakers also demanded that the service implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
Speaking at the hearing, Deputy Controller-General (DCG) of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Samuel Olumode, who represented the CG, expressed deep remorse over the incident. He explained that Mr. Abdulganiyu was attending to other official matters but had delegated senior officers to represent him.
According to Olumode, the accident occurred during an emergency response. He added that the driver involved did not stop at the scene, fearing mob action—a situation reportedly common for fire personnel. However, the driver later reported to the nearest police station and has remained in detention.
The DCG also noted that the service, led by the CG, had visited the victims’ families and those hospitalized. A delegation of officers reportedly attended the funeral service at the National Mosque and the burial of the deceased. Olumode further stated that a formal apology had been issued and published across major media outlets in the country.
The accident occurred late Friday evening at the ECOWAS junction in Wuse 2, Abuja, during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex, where three siblings tragically lost their lives.