Fire claims 2 lives at Bayelsa BIR chairman’s house

FILE PHOTO: Fire incident

A fire outbreak at the residence of the Chairman of Bayelsa Board of Internal Revenuee, Mr Nimibofa Ayawei, on Saturday claimed two lives, witnesses said.

The two victims were Ayawei’s son and his girlfriend, who were in the building, located in Akenfa, a suburb of Yenagoa.

It was learnt that sympathisers and residents assisted in putting out the fire and saved the building from being burnt down.

A family source, Mr James Akan, confirmed that the two victims were Mr Mike Ayawei and his girlfriend whose name could not be immediately ascertained.

Akan said the fire started early on Saturday as Port-Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company restored power supply raising suspicion that the incident might be from power surge.

“The family members have deposited the remains of the two persons at the mortuary, it is really a pathetic sight.

“As they brought the light, there was a loud noise like explosion and
other occupants of rooms in the house started running for safety.

“Mike was trying to save his girlfriend before they were caught up by
the fire.

“It is a pity, others even broke the protector in an effort to save their lives but help came too late, he unfortunately died trying to save his girlfriend,” Akan said.

Akan said Ayawei just recovered from serious ailment and was away for burial when the fire broke out.

He said the family was in grief and would soon prepare for the burial of the victims considering that they were young people.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Asinim
Butswat, said the command received a distress call that a house was burning and immediately dispatched a response team.

Meanwhile, the Head of Fire Service in Yenagoa, Mr Dennis
Obumor, said the service was not contacted during the fire.

Obumor said that the service was unaware of the incident.