Abia lawmaker urges fire station outpost after petrol station blaze.

The Member representing Umuahia North constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Anderson Akaliro, has urged the Abia State government to set up a functional fire service outstation in his Ohuhu constituency.

His appeal comes after a fire that destroyed a petrol station at Nkwoegwu, Ohuhu, when a petrol tanker exploded inside the facility while discharging its contents.

During a motion of Urgent Public Importance in plenary, the Lawmaker noted that the devastating effects of the incident make it necessary to establish a fire service outstation in the area to serve the growing population of residents and commercial establishments.

Akaliro thanked the Abia State Fire Service, whose timely intervention prevented surrounding buildings from being consumed by fire.

He also called for the provision of modern firefighting equipment, emergency vehicles, and adequate personnel to improve disaster management and public safety within Umuahia North and neighbouring communities.

After extensive deliberations, the Abia State House of Assembly unanimously adopted the motion, with members recognising the strategic importance of strengthening emergency response mechanisms across the State.

In a related development, the Abia State government announced plans to establish a functional fire station within Abia State University Uturu to respond swiftly to any fire incident or other emergencies and protect students and staff of the institution.

The plan was announced by the Senior Special Assistant to Abia State Governor on Homeland Security, Fire and Medical Emergencies, Chukwunenye Alajemba, when he led a team from his office to the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo.