Federal Fire Service Contains Midnight Blaze at Abuja’s De Bently Hotel, Saves ₦650 Million in Property!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist)| Sele Media Africa

Firefighters from the Federal Fire Service have successfully contained a late-night fire outbreak at the De Bently Hotel, preventing casualties and averting extensive property loss estimated at about ₦650 million, officials confirmed.

According to authorities, the fire broke out shortly before midnight at the upscale hotel located in Nigeria’s capital, triggering an emergency response from firefighters who swiftly mobilized to the scene. Prompt intervention by the Federal Fire Service helped bring the blaze under control before it could spread to other sections of the building.

Preliminary reports indicate that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded during the incident — an outcome emergency officials attributed to the rapid response of firefighters and the cooperation of hotel staff and occupants during evacuation procedures.

Officials from the Federal Fire Service stated that the coordinated firefighting operation significantly limited the damage, safeguarding substantial property within the hotel complex. Early estimates place the value of assets saved at approximately ₦650 million, highlighting the scale of potential losses that could have occurred if the fire had spread further.

While the precise cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities said safety assessments and post-incident inspections are underway to determine what triggered the outbreak and whether additional safety measures are required.

The incident has renewed attention on fire safety preparedness in public buildings across the Federal Capital Territory. Emergency management experts have repeatedly emphasized the need for functional fire detection systems, accessible emergency exits, and routine safety inspections in hospitality facilities and other high-occupancy structures.

Nigeria has witnessed several high-profile fire incidents in recent years affecting markets, residential buildings, and commercial establishments, prompting calls for stronger enforcement of fire safety regulations and improved emergency response infrastructure.

Authorities say further updates will be provided once investigations into the cause of the blaze are concluded.

Sources:
Punch Newspapers; The Guardian Nigeria; Vanguard Newspaper; Daily Trust.

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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