The Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, on Monday confirmed that there was a fire incident at his residence as had been circulated on social media, but said that it was “nothing serious”.
According to Idang Alibi, spokesperson for Mr Kachikwu, there was a minor power surge which was contained immediately. He told newsmen at about 5pm on Monday, that no one was hurt in the incident which he said was as a result of a faulty cable in the Minister’s bedroom.
Mr Kachikwu was not at home when the incidence occurred and it was contained in a few minutes by police guard and others who were present on the property.
This development is coming amidst raging controversy over the leaked memo which Mr Kachikwu addressed to the President about alleged infractions at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation [NNPC]. Rumours were beginning to fly that the fire incidence was targeted.
Mr Alibi said, however, that there was no foul play suspected in the fire incident.