Fire Outbreak at Abuja Mall Sparks Panic as Shoppers and Workers Flee for Safety

Fire Outbreak at Abuja Mall Sparks Panic as Shoppers and Workers Flee for Safety

Abuja, Nigeria — A morning fire outbreak on Thursday sent waves of panic through the popular Abuja Mall, as thick smoke billowed from a section of the complex, forcing early shoppers and workers to flee for safety.

The incident, which occurred around 6:30 a.m., reportedly began before official opening hours, engulfing part of the retail area and prompting swift intervention from emergency responders. The mall — one of Abuja’s busiest commercial and leisure destinations — was quickly evacuated as firefighters battled to contain the flames.

Eyewitnesses said the blaze appeared to have started from one of the retail stores inside the building. Although the exact cause remains under investigation, preliminary reports point to a possible electrical fault.

“We saw smoke rising from one of the shops, and within minutes, it got out of hand. Everyone started running and calling the fire service,” said a shop attendant who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Thank God it happened early before customers began arriving.”

Personnel from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responded promptly, managing to prevent the inferno from spreading to other sections of the complex. Their swift action reportedly saved dozens of shops and restaurants from destruction.

FEMA officials confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded, though some businesses suffered property damage. The agency added that investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the fire.

In a statement released later in the day, the management of Abuja Mall expressed gratitude to emergency teams for their rapid response and reassured patrons that operations would resume once safety inspections and necessary repairs were completed.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event but thankful that there were no casualties. Our team is working closely with authorities to assess the damage and ensure the premises are safe before reopening,” the statement read.

The Abuja Mall, home to international fashion outlets, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment centers, attracts hundreds of visitors daily. The fire has reignited public discussions about fire safety compliance and emergency preparedness in major commercial spaces across Nigeria’s capital.

Authorities have since advised business owners within the mall to conduct routine safety audits, maintain functional fire extinguishers, and ensure all electrical installations meet certified standards to avert similar incidents in the future.