In Makurdi, the Benue State capital, a mystery dawn fire has wiped out a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service and his entire family, reports said.
Mr Serker Akaa of the State Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology, his heavily pregnant wife and their two children were consumed in the morning inferno just before day break in their home while asleep.
The flame, which started about 2.30 a.m., caught residents of the quarters unawares as they were asleep.
“The fire also razed three other houses including that of an aide of the state governor, Mr Daniel Unongo.
“Firefighters on the scene fought hard to put out the fire which lasted for a long time,’’ a resident said.
Speaking during a visit, the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Benson Abounu, expressed shock at the level of devastation.
He said:“It is a monumental disaster. It is a black day for Benue.
“The state has lost a prized asset in Mr Akaa. Government will take charge of the burials and also assist the other families who lost valuables.’’
The late Permanent Secretary had attended a retreat at his ECWA Church in Makurdi at the weekend.
The parish pastor, the Rev. Favour Akaa, described him as a God-fearing man.
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