Panic As Fire Engulfs Popular Hotel In Abuja

The Federal Fire Service has successfully brought under control a fire at De Bently Hotel in Utako, Abuja, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.

The incident occurred around 8:28 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, when a fire engulfed a four-storey commercial building covering an estimated 500 square metres.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, Paul Abraham, said firefighters from the Wuse Fire Station were immediately dispatched to the scene.

According to him, the emergency team arrived by 8:38 p.m. and began firefighting operations.

The response was led by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Adeyemi, who personally supervised the operation.

Firefighters deployed multiple water jets, appliances, and fire tenders in a coordinated effort that eventually brought the blaze under control.

Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been triggered by a gas explosion, although authorities say investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause.

“The estimated value of property at the facility is about N1 billion, out of which N650 million worth of property was successfully saved, while approximately N350 million was affected by the fire,” the statement noted.

Emergency responders confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded during the incident.

Police patrol teams and additional firefighting units were also present to provide security and operational support.

The Controller General praised the firefighters for their prompt and professional intervention, noting that their swift action “helped prevent the incident from escalating into a more devastating situation.”

Meanwhile, a team of fire investigators has been deployed to establish both the immediate and underlying causes of the outbreak.

The Federal Fire Service further urged hotel operators, businesses, and the general public to comply strictly with fire safety regulations, particularly in the handling of gas cylinders and other combustible materials.