A brief fire outbreak on Wednesday caused panic within the Senate wing of the National Assembly Complex Abuja, forcing lawmakers and staff to rush out of a hearing area during legislative proceedings.

Eyewitness reports and video clips circulating online showed smoke filling a room shortly after a Senate committee session ended. The incident was said to have started in a kitchen compartment of the hearing room, allegedly triggered by a microwave that was left switched on. Voices in the background also raised concerns about the absence of fire extinguishers at the scene.

Senators, including Asuquo Ekpenyong and Salihu Mustapha, were reportedly among those who helped contain the situation using water and other available means before it could escalate further. No casualties were recorded, and normal activities resumed shortly after the fire was put out.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the exact cause of the incident or any preventive measures.