EndSARS Protest: Fire Incident Did Not Affect Our Operations, Says NPA MD
• Critical documents intact
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Usman Sunday said the fire incident about two weeks ago on the headquarters of the authority did not affect its operations.
Usman who conducted newsmen round the affected facility said though the effect on the building was much, important documents were not affected.
However, she said it will take a number of years for the burnt areas fo be fixed considering the economic condition of the country.
She disclosed that those behind the attack had targeted to burn down ports areas in Apapa, Tin Can Island and Calabar, but were prevented by the military and other security operatives.
According to her, 27 official vehicles and 33 other vehicles belonging to members of staff were affected in the fire incident.
She also said that apart from the burning of the building, the arsonists vandalized many offices, including looting of computers, printers and water dispensers.
Usman also told newsmen that a Toyota Prado SUV, a Bajaj motorcycle and one Hilux patrol van were stolen from the premises during the incident.
But she disclosed that all the assets of the authority were insured and therefore insurers would be expected to do the needful.
She said, “The attackers at the headquarters, numbering over 300 persons, gained access into the premises at 8:42 am on Wednesday October 21, 2020, from the outer Broad Street wing brandishing, daggers, sticks and cutlasses.
“After attacking, disarming and chasing the security personnel on duty out of the headquarters premises, the attackers proceeded to burn and vandalise several vehicles belonging to the authority and some members of staff.
“They thereafter set a wing of the office building on fire. Upon knowledge of the attack, officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces were invited and deployed in the premises. They successfully dispersed the hoodlums and reclaimed possession of the premises following which the authority’s firemen were able to gain access into the building and put out the raging fire.”
She said she was grateful that no life was lost as a result of the action of the arsonists.
“All stakeholders and the general public are hereby assured that the situation has not affected operations of the authority in any way as we have continued to render our services unhindered”, Usman said.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Usman Sunday said the fire incident about two weeks ago on the headquarters of the authority did not affect its operations.
Usman who conducted newsmen round the affected facility said though the effect on the building was much, important documents were not affected.
However, she said it will take a number of years for the burnt areas fo be fixed considering the economic condition of the country.
She disclosed that those behind the attack had targeted to burn down ports areas in Apapa, Tin Can Island and Calabar, but were prevented by the military and other security operatives.
According to her, 27 official vehicles and 33 other vehicles belonging to members of staff were affected in the fire incident.
She also said that apart from the burning of the building, the arsonists vandalized many offices, including looting of computers, printers and water dispensers.
Usman also told newsmen that a Toyota Prado SUV, a Bajaj motorcycle and one Hilux patrol van were stolen from the premises during the incident.
But she disclosed that all the assets of the authority were insured and therefore insurers would be expected to do the needful.
She said, “The attackers at the headquarters, numbering over 300 persons, gained access into the premises at 8:42 am on Wednesday October 21, 2020, from the outer Broad Street wing brandishing, daggers, sticks and cutlasses.
“After attacking, disarming and chasing the security personnel on duty out of the headquarters premises, the attackers proceeded to burn and vandalise several vehicles belonging to the authority and some members of staff.
“They thereafter set a wing of the office building on fire. Upon knowledge of the attack, officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces were invited and deployed in the premises. They successfully dispersed the hoodlums and reclaimed possession of the premises following which the authority’s firemen were able to gain access into the building and put out the raging fire.”
She said she was grateful that no life was lost as a result of the action of the arsonists.
“All stakeholders and the general public are hereby assured that the situation has not affected operations of the authority in any way as we have continued to render our services unhindered”, Usman said.
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