The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Liman Ibrahim, has threatened to withdraw firefighters from states that cannot guarantee the safety of his men.

This is contained in a statement issued by the fire service spokeswoman, Ugo Huan, on Friday.

Mr Ibrahim, while condemning the most recent attack on firefighters in Kogi on Thursday night, vowed that the attackers would be brought to book.

He expressed displeasure over the attack, pointing out that this was the second time that firemen would be attacked in Kogi while on duty.

“It is a criminal offence for anyone to attack firefighters or fire trucks for whatsoever reasons. Henceforth, any state government that cannot ensure the protection of Federal Fire Service firefighters and equipment in their states will leave the service with no other option but to withdraw its presence,” warned Mr Ibrahim. “We will not fold our hands and watch our men being maimed and killed as well as fire trucks worth millions of Naira being destroyed.”

According to the statement, the latest attack occurred along Felele Road when firefighters attempted to put out a fire of a burning car’s fire at the Al-Salam filling station.

It explained that the fire service command in Kogi had received a distress call, but while approaching the scene, a mob began to attack the fire truck.

The statement added that the truck was damaged while firefighters were injured.

“The matter has since been reported to the Police for investigation and subsequent arrest of those responsible. The chief security officer of the Kogi Government House has also been informed,” said the fire service. “The controller general has further substantiated his call for the establishment of an armed squad in the Federal Fire Service known as Fire Police to protect firefighters and fire trucks at fire scenes.”

(NAN)