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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
What could be the cause of recurring fires at Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa? This is the question on the lips of several students of the university following the latest fire incident last Monday.
According to investigations, this is the fifth fire incident this year in the university, raising fresh fears about safety at the university.
Saturday Sun findings indicated that the fire started from an electrical spark in the room and burnt down the room before help could come.
Fortunately, the female students in the room were able to escape, living to tell the tale, while others in the same wing also escaped.
Students of the school are worried that fire incidents are now a routine in the school, which is a source of grave concern.
“Fire is something not new in BMU. We are experiencing a fire incident every month. There is no month that we don’t experience fire,’’ says a 400-level Medical Laboratory student.
Another student, who is a 300-level Optometry student, Daisy, stated that it was the heavy smoke that gave her the hint that something was amiss.
Further findings revealed that an attempt by one of the students to use a fire extinguisher was futile as it was empty.
Before the fire service personnel came, the fire had been put out after destroying several valuables, including documents. The fire extinguisher is not working, and the school wants to shift the blame for the fire to the students.
A parent, Mr. Peremobowei Stanley Disi, expressed concern that incessant fire outbreaks at the university are disturbing.
According to him, the school should take urgent action to fix every electrical fault to avoid another fire incident, which could be deadly.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Dimie Ogoina, has ordered a full investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire in the school.
