Following a fire in a section of the building that killed two people on Monday, Canada’s high commission in Nigeria has suspended operations.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that the fire was started by a diesel tank explosion.
The diesel tank exploded around 10:45 a.m. in the commission’s generator house while two MIKANO generators were being serviced by a five-man team from JMD company, according to the agency.
The Canadian High Commission announced on Tuesday that it was suspending operations until further notice.
The high commission expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased, saying that an investigation would be conducted, but that “everything points to an accident” at this point.
The statement reads:
“An explosion took place in a generator room at the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria in Abuja today, killing two people, including a locally engaged employee, and injuring two others”.
“Global Affairs Canada extends its sympathies to the families of those killed and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
“We can confirm all other staff at the High Commission are safe and unharmed.
“We are now ensuring that the site is safe and will work with local authorities in determining the cause of the explosion.
“An investigation will be carried out, but at this point everything points to an accident rather than a deliberate act.
“As a result of the incident, the High Commission of Canada in Abuja is closed until further notice.
“Canadians in need of consular assistance can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre.”
On the government’s website, Canada also issued a travel advisory to its citizens, citing the “unpredictable security situation throughout the country,” including Abuja, and the “significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, and kidnappings.”
Lagos and Calabar were identified as states that should “exercise a high degree of caution” due to crime incidents.