Fresh concerns over student safety have emerged at Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, following another fire outbreak at the institution’s female hostel, an incident that destroyed students’ valuables and renewed fears about the condition of the hostel’s electrical infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
- Another fire outbreak recorded at Bayelsa Medical University female hostel.
- No casualties reported, but students escaped moments before the fire spread.
- Students allege recurring electrical faults and frequent fire incidents.
- Claims emerge that hostel fire extinguishers were empty during the emergency.
- Concerns raised over poor water supply and locked hostel gates.
- Parents demand comprehensive safety audits and hostel rewiring.
- University management yet to issue a detailed official response.
The latest incident occurred on Monday night and reportedly originated from an electrical spark. Although no lives were lost, students described the experience as traumatic and warned that the situation could have resulted in fatalities if residents had not evacuated quickly.
Several students who spoke after the incident recounted scenes of panic as thick smoke and flames engulfed one of the hostel rooms.
A 400-level Nursing student said many residents initially dismissed the warning signs because electrical sparks had become a frequent occurrence in the hostel.
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According to her, she had gone to bed shortly before hearing students shouting about a fire outbreak.
“After the previous fire incident, there have been several electrical sparks. People usually shout, but many of us thought it was another minor fault. It was only when my roommate continued shouting that I rushed out and discovered that the room was already on fire,” she said.
The student further alleged that efforts to contain the fire were hampered by inadequate emergency response equipment.
She claimed that a fire extinguisher brought to the scene was empty, while water supply from the hostel taps was insufficient to tackle the flames.
“The fire extinguisher was not working because it was empty. When we tried using water, the tap was barely running,” she alleged.
Students Allege Safety Lapses
The student also claimed that the hostel gate remained locked during the emergency, making evacuation and rescue efforts more difficult.
“We have repeatedly appealed to the school authorities to keep the gate open, but they insist it is for security reasons,” she said.
Another 400-level Nursing student alleged that the affected room had already been destroyed before assistance arrived.
She accused the institution of attempting to blame students for the incident instead of addressing what she described as persistent electrical faults.
“The room was completely burnt before help arrived. Students had to break a gate at the back of the hostel before assistance could get through. Documents, personal belongings and other valuables were destroyed,” she said.
A 300-level Optometry student described returning to the hostel and finding chaos, smoke and flames.
“I was coming back from shopping when I saw security personnel running. When I looked towards the hostel, one of the rooms was already engulfed in flames,” she recalled.
Repeated Incidents Fuel Anxiety
Another student from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science expressed concern that repeated fire incidents had created a dangerous level of complacency among students.
“Fire incidents are becoming too common. Last week there was a fire, and now another one. Many students no longer react immediately because it happens so often,” she said.
She explained that she rushed back into the building to retrieve important documents, including academic certificates and her laptop, despite the heavy smoke.
“The smoke was overwhelming. I was struggling to breathe and almost suffered a panic attack,” she added.
Parents Demand Immediate Action
Parents have also voiced concerns over the recurring incidents.
Mr. Peremobowei Stanley Disi, whose daughter studies at the institution, described the repeated fire outbreaks as alarming and called for urgent intervention.
According to him, authorities should conduct a comprehensive investigation into the electrical system rather than relying on temporary repairs.
“This issue has occurred several times. Instead of patching faults, the institution should identify the root cause and completely replace defective wiring if necessary,” he said.
Disi warned that future incidents could prove fatal if urgent corrective measures are not implemented.
“We thank God that no lives have been lost so far, but the next incident could be more devastating if students are asleep when it happens,” he added.
University Yet to Issue Detailed Response
When contacted, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Mrs. Marie Teibowei, declined to comment immediately, stating that she was attending a meeting.
Subsequent attempts by journalists to obtain an official response reportedly proved unsuccessful, as no further clarification was provided before the filing of this report.
The latest incident has intensified calls for a comprehensive safety audit of student hostels and improved emergency preparedness measures at Bayelsa Medical University.
