The leadership of the House of Representatives has given the controller-general (CG) of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Jaji Abdulganiyu, 24 hours to appear in person and explain the events around Friday’s fire truck accident, which claimed three lives and injured others in Abuja.

The minority whip, Ali Isah, issued the ultimatum on Tuesday after the management members of the service failed to honour an earlier invitation.

The incident, which claimed the lives of three siblings, happened on Friday evening at ECOWAS junction in Wuse 2, Abuja, during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex.

Mr Isah said the House had seen viral videos of the incident but had not seen any public statement from the service.

The lawmaker directed that the service should immediately visit the family, engage and commiserate with them, take over the medical bills of those in the hospital and make arrangements for adequate compensation.

He said the service should put measures in place to ensure such an incident does not happen again.

“The non-appearance of the CG without any cogent reason is not appropriate. I do not think at this point that there is any more serious engagement that is more than the invitation from the National Assembly at a time we are all mourning the loss of lives of Nigerians.

“I also support my colleagues that we have to request the CG to appear with all his team, either within 24 hours or a maximum of 48 hours,” he said.

Earlier, the services’ deputy controller-general of administration and supplies, Samuel Olumode, said the agency regretted the incident.

Mr Olumode explained that the CG was not around in person, as he had to attend to other state matters and other officers were directed to represent him.

He blamed the incident on the urgency of the operation, explaining that the fire truck driver involved did not stop for fear of mob action.

The deputy controller-general, however, said the driver reported to the nearest police station and had since been in detention.

Mr Olumode stated that the service, led by the CG, had taken several actions, including visiting the deceased’s family and those in the hospital.

He said a delegation of fire officers also attended the funeral service at the National Mosque and the subsequent burial.

Mr Olumode said the service had also issued a public apology, which had been aired and published by major media organisations in the country.

(NAN)