The vice chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Prof Dimie Ogoina, has ordered a full investigation into the fire incident that occurred on Monday night at the female hostel of the institution.
The fire, which destroyed students’ valuables and important documents, caused panic among students, many of whom had earlier complained about recurring electrical faults in the hostel building.
Although no life was lost, students described how smoke and flames spread through one of the rooms during the incident.
Reacting to the development, Prof Ogoina said he was informed about the fire the following morning and immediately visited the affected hostel to assess the damage and speak with the students involved.
According to him, preliminary findings showed that the fire may have started from a spark in an electrical extension box placed on a mattress, which later ignited the foam.
The vice chancellor said the university management had already taken steps to address the situation, including relocating the affected students to a safer accommodation and carrying out an audit of damaged items to provide support.
He also disclosed that the university had launched a full investigation into the incident in collaboration with the State Fire Service.
