A Nissan Sunny car belonging to the Federal Ministry Of Labour caught fire around 11:00 am local time today.
It was a mysterious blaze that occurred in front of the British High Commission in Abuja, located at No. 33 Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, a situation that fast created high tension and panic among the residents.
According to an eyewitness, the car fire was caused by an electrical fault, causing the vehicle to jerk, but eventually it stopped, prompting the driver to open the car’s bonnet.
The scenario caused the armed mobile policemen guarding the embassy to ask the driver to move the car, but soon black smoke was seen coming out from the carburetor, which eventually led to a larger fire that gutted the entire car.
Efforts by both the driver and policemen to quench the fire proved fruitless.
There was no trace of sabotage or terrorist intent in the incident, and it was said later said the fire was simply a natural occurrence.
Residents of Abuja have been on edge, living in fear of an imminent terrorist attack following the spate of recent bombings in the city. Boko Haram insurgents have threatened another impending attack of some targets in the capital city, but those threats have been vague.