The incident happened at about 7:20 pm and quickly attracted the attention of neighbors, security personnel, and passersby who watched in shock as smoke billowed from one section of the building.
According to sources at the scene, the blaze started in a security room within the governor’s compound before firefighters arrived to bring it under control.
The Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Fire Service Board, Engr. Bello Sani Gusau, personally led his team to the residence shortly after the alarm was raised.
Speaking while his men worked to contain the fire, Gusau confirmed the incident. “There is a fire incident at the governor’s residence and we are currently working to contain it,” he told reporters at the gate.
Eyewitnesses said the quick response of the fire service prevented the flames from spreading to other parts of the large property. One of the residents, Umar, who was among those outside the gate, said he saw smoke coming from the security post before sirens were heard.
“We were scared because the smoke was much. But thank God the fire service came on time and started fighting it before it got worse,” Umar said.
As of the time of filing this report, firefighters were still battling to fully put out the fire and ensure it did not reignite.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Officials at the scene said it was too early to determine what triggered the incident or how much damage had been done.
It was also not clear if anyone was injured, as security operatives restricted access to the inner parts of the residence while the operation was ongoing.
When contacted for comment, the Spokesperson to the Governor, Suleiman Bala Idris, said he was not immediately aware of the development. “I have no idea, I will call and get back to you,” he said.
Despite the tension that gripped the GRA area for nearly an hour, residents expressed relief that the fire did not spread beyond the initial point.
The Governor’s residence in Gusau GRA is one of the most secured buildings in the state capital, housing both family quarters and official sections.
Incidents of fire outbreaks have been reported in parts of Gusau in recent months, with the Fire Service Board repeatedly urging residents to be cautious with electrical appliances and to report emergencies early.
For now, authorities say a full assessment will be carried out once the situation is completely under control to determine the extent of the damage and the possible cause.
No official statement has yet been released from the Government House on the incident.
