No fatality during fire outbreak at NCAC permanent site – DG

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), on Tuesday said that no life was lost during the recent fire outbreak at its permanent site, Arts Village .

The NCAC permanent site was engulfed with fire on Friday, with properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Runsewe, while briefing newsmen on the incident, said that the fire outbreak was caused by an electric cooker used by a he shop owner for cooking.

According to him, the council has repeatedly warned shop owners to desist from cooking, sleeping and engaging in illegal business at the centre.

The NCAC boss denied allegations by some of the shop owners that NCAC was responsible for the fire outbreak.

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“Let me categorically state that the NCAC has no hand in the fire outbreak as is being alleged. That allegation is unfortunate and laughable.

“The outcome of the investigation conducted by the Nigerian Fire Service and the police clearly shows that the fire outbreak was caused by a cooking device known as hot plate which was not tuned off in shop No. 47.’’

Runsewe reiterated the commitment of the council toward achieving its mandate, adding that it would rebuild the place according to international standard.

“We will continue to do everything within our power to ensure the sustenance of a conducive social environment for all legitimate occupants of the site to do business without fear or hindrance.’’

Runsewe also cautioned members of the public to desist from engaging in cooking at any market facility to forestall any disaster, as well as ensure that all electrical appliances were switched off after use.