Abuja Residents Panic As Vehicle Goes In Flame Near Federal Ministry

A white Hilux vehicle on Friday in Abuja burst into flames near the Ministry of Justice, sparking panic among the workers, passersby, and motorists.

The vehicle burnt beyond recognition, with the cause of the fire yet to be ascertained. The incident caused gridlock along the Federal High Court–Transcorp Hilton Road. The Hilux is said to belong to the public complaints commission.

The incident was said to have happened around 12.30 pm a few metres from the ministry’s building. The vehicle burnt for several minutes as workers from the ministry watched from their offices.

The incident created panic as it was happening amid a security advisory earlier released by the United States Embassy, warning of an elevated risk of terror attacks in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The UK government had also warned its citizens to stay alert, saying that the attacks were targeted at western interests.

However, firefighters and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps came to the scene and moved vehicle remnant off the road as normalcy returned to the area.

A towing vehicle belonging to the FRSC was seen evacuating the burnt vehicle from the road.