Ime Akpan
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it had begun an investigation into the fire incident that occurred at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri on Monday.
FAAN’s general manager, corporate affairs, Mr. Henrietta Yakubu who disclosed this in a statement in Lagos said the incident which occurred around 2pm affected some parts of the terminal building.
However, she said there was no casualty and that normal operations had since resumed at the airport.
However, she said the fire was curtailed swiftly by officers of the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services Department of FAAN.
Commenting on the incident, the airport manager, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi apologised to airport users for the incident and assured that investigation into the matter would commence immediately.
“No life was lost in the fire. A couple of places are affected by the fire. We are following airports contingency plans, to make sure we continue with flight operations. I must also say that flight operations have commenced in the airport,” she added.
The newly elected governor of the state, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, described the incident as “regrettable”.
The governor-elect who undertook a tour of the affected areas of the facility said expressed happiness that no life was lost.
“It is a thing of joy that no life was lost in the incident. This Airport is so dear to Imo people because it is the only Airport in Nigeria that was built through collective contribution of the citizenry,” he said.
He called for immediate investigation into the incident and measures taken to avert future occurrence.
