By O.V.Collins

A part of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Ekehuan Campus in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, has been engulfed in flames as a result of a fire outbreak that occurred earlier today.

Eyewitnesses have reported that the fire started around noon on Tuesday and has already caused significant damage to several buildings on the campus. The cause of the fire is not yet known but sources say it started as a result of an electrical spark in one of the buildings. Reports say that the UNIBEN fire service was contacted but they were unable to make it to the scene due to an issue with their truck, which led to contacts being made to the fire service at GRA, Benin city.

According to reports, students and staff of the university have been evacuated from the affected areas and there are no reports of casualties at this time. Although the extent of the damage caused by the fire is yet to be determined, ACJ UNIBEN can confirm that before the fire service got to the scene of the incident, an entire building had been razed in the fire.

The UNIBEN community has expressed deep concern over the incident and students have asked the school management to call for an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire. Students and Staff in the University community hope that the management will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that the situation is brought under control and the affected buildings are restored as soon as possible.

The UNIBEN Ekehuan Campus, which was the first campus of the University of Benin, is home to several departments like Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, amongst others.

This incident has come as a shock to the university community and has raised concerns about the safety and security of university campuses in Nigeria. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the university community is urged to remain calm and cooperate with relevant authorities in their efforts to contain the situation.

We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

Support ACJ UNIBEN's goal of always bringing truth to light.

Excellent campus journalism requires financial support. Yet, it is this very journalism that contributes to an informed campus community, transparency in educational institutions, and an engaged student body. To continue offering free access to top-notch campus journalism, we invite you to consider making a modest contribution to this worthwhile endeavor. Your support for ACJ UNIBEN's campus journalism ensures its relevance and availability to all students, free of charge, fostering an informed and active campus community.

DONATE