Canadian Embassy Abuja in Nigeria temporarily suspends operations until further notice because of the fire, post-explosion.
Unfortunately, two people have died and two have been hospitalized after the explosion of a tanker inside the generator building, as per the latest news report.
A Nigerian Federal Fire Service official says that “a tanker that was inside the generator building exploded, killing two men who worked for the generator company.”
The official added that “two people outside the building were injured by the explosion,” as noted. They are in the hospital having treatment.”
An eyewitness shared a video of the fire showing enormous black smoke plumes from behind the building.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly confirmed that the fire has been contained and that they are working on finding the cause of the explosion.
Minister Melanie Jily sent her condolences to the families of two people killed in the incident via tweet. An investigation will be carried out, but at this point, everything points to an accident rather than a deliberate act,” it stated.
Canada Updates Travel Advisory for Nigeria
Canada has updated the travel advisory for Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, today, November 6, 2023, to avoid non-essential travel.
The updated travel advisory says “There is an unpredictable security situation throughout the country and a significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, and kidnappings.”
The official Government of Canada travel advisory is asking Canadians in the area to know that the Canadian Embassy has temporarily suspended its operations in the area.
However, 24/7 emergency consular assistance is available for Canadian citizens at the below-listed contacts in the affected area:
Email:
Telephone:
From outside Canada
- Call the nearest embassy or consulate.
- +1 613 996 8885 (call collect where available)
- Toll-free numbers in some countries
From inside Canada (non-passport-related)
- 613-996-8885
- 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free from the U.S. and Canada only)
Emergency passport services within Canada (weekends and statutory holidays)
- 1-800-567-6868 (toll-free from Canada only)
SMS
- +1-613-686-3658 (carrier charges may apply)
WhatsApp
- +1-613-909-8881 (carrier charges may apply)
Telegram
- Canada Emergency Abroad
Signal
- +1-613-909-8087
TTY (for persons with a hearing loss)
- 613-944-1310
- 1-800-394-3472 (toll-free from the U.S. and Canada only)
Source: https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/canadian-embassy-abuja-fire-nigeria/
