Stop attacking firefighters, it’s criminal, endangers communities — CGF Olumode

Federal Fire Service (FFS) has strongly condemned the violent attack on its personnel during an emergency response in Calabar, Cross River State, describing such actions as criminal, dangerous, and a direct threat to public safety.

In a press release signed by the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, DCF Paul Abraham, the Service disclosed that the incident occurred on Sunday, at Guldie Street, Calabar.

According to the statement, firefighters promptly mobilised to the scene after receiving a distress call. However, upon arrival, the responding crew was violently attacked by a mob.

Several personnel sustained injuries, while the firefighting appliance was severely damaged, leaving the fire to continue unchecked and causing extensive loss of property.

The Service also referenced a separate viral video from Cross River State showing firefighters and their fire truck being stoned immediately upon arrival, even before emergency operations could commence.

The hostile situation forced the crew to withdraw for their own safety.

The Controller-General of Fire, CGF Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, described the growing trend of hostility toward firefighters as alarming and unacceptable.

“Such conduct is not an expression of frustration; it is violence, and it must be condemned without hesitation, excuse, or justification,” the statement read.

The Federal Fire Service emphasised that firefighters do not cause emergencies but respond to them, warning that obstructing or attacking responders only worsens disasters and multiplies losses.

Addressing public complaints about perceived delays in emergency response, the Service explained that several real-life factors often affect response times.

These include late reporting of fires, unclear address descriptions, traffic congestion, poor road conditions, limited station coverage, inaccessible hydrants, inadequate water supply, and the operational realities of specialised emergency equipment.

“None of these challenges are solved by hostility,” the Service stated. “Violence does not improve response time; it creates more victims.”

The Fire Service further stressed that attacking firefighters and damaging firefighting equipment constitute serious criminal offences under Nigerian law, including obstruction of emergency responders, assault on public officers, wilful damage to government property, conspiracy, mob action, and, in severe cases, attempted homicide where dangerous weapons are used.

Communities were warned that damaging fire appliances deprives them of protection during future emergencies, as such equipment may be withdrawn for repairs or rendered unavailable.

Beyond fire suppression, the Service highlighted that firefighters play broader roles, including rescuing trapped persons, conducting post-incident investigations, advising on fire prevention, dampening embers to prevent re-ignition, and supporting insurance and legal processes.

“Blocking or attacking emergency crews sabotages rescue efforts, investigations, prevention measures, insurance claims, and justice,” the statement added.

The Federal Fire Service urged communities to cooperate rather than confront emergency responders, noting that no responsible authority can continue deploying personnel into hostile environments without adequate protection.

To improve emergency outcomes, residents were advised to report fires early, provide accurate addresses, clear access routes, manage crowds, protect responders, and allow emergency operations to be completed without interference.

In a strong nationwide appeal, the Service called on residents, landlords, youth groups, and community leaders to put an immediate end to attacks on firefighters.

“The fire is the enemy — not the firefighter,” the statement concluded. “Nigeria cannot demand protection while simultaneously endangering those who provide it. The practice of attacking emergency responders must end immediately.”