Fire Service Contain Hotel Blaze in Zaria — Federal Command Confirms Electrical Surge as Likely Cause

The Federal Fire Service, Zaria Area Command, has confirmed that it successfully curtailed a fire outbreak at Shagalinku Hotel, located alon...

The Federal Fire Service, Zaria Area Command, has confirmed that it successfully curtailed a fire outbreak at Shagalinku Hotel, located along Kofar Kibo–Dan Magaji Road in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Wednesday morning.

According to an official press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASF Umar D. Adamu, the fire was reported at about 9:29 a.m. by a Good Samaritan, Bala Galadima, who placed an emergency call alerting fire officials.

The affected section of the hotel was an office, which was already engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the scene. The statement noted that the fire was brought under control through the coordinated efforts of fire personnel led by ASF Hamza Nagogo, with support from officers of the Zaria City Police Division, who cordoned off the area, and firefighters from the Kofar Doka Fire Station.

The operation lasted approximately one and a half hours, during which the blaze was completely extinguished, preventing extensive property damage and ensuring no casualties were recorded.

Eyewitness accounts from hotel staff supported the timeline and intensity of the incident. One staff member, Malam Dikko, described seeing smoke and flames pouring from the building, which caused panic among hotel guests and residents in the vicinity.

Preliminary investigations by the Federal Fire Service suggest that the fire was likely caused by an electrical surge originating from an air-conditioning unit within the office. Further technical investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.

The Zaria Area Command used the opportunity to advise members of the public to equip their homes and businesses with basic firefighting tools such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, which can be vital in controlling fires before professional help arrives.

“For emergency assistance, residents can reach the Zaria Area Command on 09133707880,” the statement added.