A section of the Rivers State Secretariat complex, specifically the Podium Block, was engulfed in flames today October 6.
Videos recorded from the scene showed thick smoke billowing from the building, causing panic among workers and evacuations in the area.
The Podium Block houses several state ministries, including sections for works and social welfare.
According to the Head of Service, Iyingi Brown, the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
Firefighters from the State and Federal Fire Services, alongside the military, worked together to put out the flames.
The incident occurred just days after Governor Siminalayi Fubara dissolved the Rivers State Pension Board without stating a reason.
It also came shortly after the governor issued stern warnings to permanent secretaries over alleged misconduct during the state’s recent political crisis.
While officials have not linked the fire to the board’s dissolution, the timing has sparked public speculation about whether it was mere coincidence or an intentional effort to destroy sensitive records.
The state government is yet to comment on the fire outbreak.
