It was reported on Saturday that a section of Nigeria’s presidential villa (Aso Rock) was razed by fire.

However, the presidency has said the fire incident transpired outside the premises of Aso Rock; adding that “someone might have dropped cigarette nearby, that could cause the fire outbreak”.

This was contained in a statement released by Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity.

According to the statement, Shehu said there was no fire within the perimeter wall of the State house.

“There was indeed a bush fire behind the fence of the ‘ Villa’ Saturday night, but it did not enter the premises of the presidential villa as firefighters controlled the fire.

“However, an investigation has commenced to unravel the cause of the fire, but added that someone might have dropped cigarette nearby, that could cause the fire outbreak.

“In the evening of Saturday, March 6, a fire broke out burning shrubs between the outer wire fence and walls surrounding the Villa, precisely in the area between the villa and the barracks, towards asokoro,” part of the statement reads.

“The fire, as being speculated, might have started from a passersby dropping cigarette, the federal fire service will ascertain the reason for it, when they complete their investigation.

“It suffice to say, that the Bush fire which started and ended outside the perimeter walls of the villa, was seamlessly contained by fire stations of the state house and the one nearby from the federal fire service, no loss of life, no loss whatsoever to building and property was recorded.”

The statement was concluded by appreciating Nigerians who showed concern.

Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News