Abia lawmaker urges fire service outstation after petrol station fire.

Anderson Akaliro, the assembly member for Umuahia North, urged the Abia State government to set up a functional fire service outstation in the Ohuhu area of his constituency.

The request followed a fire that destroyed a petrol station in Nkwoegwu, Ohuhu, when a tanker exploded while unloading fuel.

During a motion of Urgent Public Importance in the plenary session, the lawmaker emphasized that the severe consequences of the incident underscore the need for a fire service outstation to serve the expanding population and commercial activity in the area.

Akaliro expressed gratitude to the Abia State Fire Service, whose prompt response prevented adjacent structures from burning.

He urged the provision of modern firefighting gear, emergency vehicles, and sufficient personnel to improve disaster management and public safety in Umuahia North and nearby communities.

After thorough deliberation, the Abia State House of Assembly unanimously adopted the motion, recognizing the strategic importance of bolstering emergency response across the state.

In a related move, the Abia State government announced plans to set up a functional fire station at Abia State University Uturu to enable rapid response to fire incidents or other emergencies and safeguard students and staff.

The announcement was made by Chukwunenye Alajemba, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Homeland Security, Fire and Medical Emergencies, during a visit with a team from his office to Vice Chancellor Professor Ndukwe Okeudo.