The House of Representatives has given the Controller-General (CG) of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Mr. Jaji Abdulganiyu, 24 hours to appear in person and explain circumstances surrounding last Friday’s fire truck accident in Abuja that claimed three lives and injured others.
The ultimatum was issued by the Minority Whip, Hon Ali Jesse, in Abuja after the CG failed to honour an earlier invitation.
The tragic incident occurred at ECOWAS Junction, Wuse 2, during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex. Three siblings died while several others were injured.
Hon Isah expressed concern over the absence of a public statement from the service and directed the agency to visit the victims’ families, settle medical bills for the injured, and arrange compensation.
He stressed that the CG’s absence without a compelling reason was unacceptable and demanded his appearance, alongside his management team, within 24 to 48 hours.
Deputy Controller-General, Samuel Olumode, who represented the service, expressed remorse, explaining that the CG was attending to other state matters.
He noted that the driver of the fire truck, fearing mob action, fled the scene but later turned himself in and remains in police custody.
Olumode stated that the service had visited the victims’ families, attended the funeral at the National Mosque, and issued a public apology aired by major media outlets.
