Natasha Seeks Fire Service Contract After Okene Blaze Claims Lives

The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called for the urgent award of a Federal Fire Service contract to address recurring fire outbreaks in Okene, Kogi State, following a recent tragic blaze that claimed lives and destroyed properties.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Senator Natasha reacted to the disaster at Old Zango, near the Total fuel station, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and describing the incident as both painful and preventable.

“My attention has been drawn to the tragic fire incident that occurred at Old Zango, just before the Total fuel station in Okene recently. Sadly, lives were lost and properties destroyed,” she said.

The lawmaker stressed that the incident reflects a long-standing emergency response gap in the area, noting that similar fire disasters have occurred repeatedly over the decades.

“This is not an isolated occurrence. Over the decades, similar incidents have happened in this area. Beyond offering prayers, I have taken deliberate steps to ensure that when such emergencies arise, the damage is minimized and lives are better protected,” she added.

Senator Natasha revealed that she had facilitated the establishment of a Federal Fire Service facility in Okene Local Government Area to strengthen emergency response capacity in Kogi Central.

“In line with this commitment, I facilitated the establishment of a Federal Fire Service facility to be sited in Okene LGA. While the coordinating ministry and relevant agencies have already visited the proposed site, the contract has not yet been awarded due to zero capital fund allocations in the 2025 budget,” she said.

She further pledged to meet with the minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after the holiday period to expedite the commencement of the project.

“I will, after the holidays, meet with the Honourable Minister to follow up and push for the immediate take-off of this critical project,” the senator said.

Extending condolences to families affected by the fire, she urged collective efforts to prevent future tragedies.