The Canadian High Commission in Abuja, on Tuesday says it is suspending all visa related activities following a fire incident at its consular office in Abuja on Monday.
The announcement came by a tweet from the official X handle of the Commission. It said it could for now not respond to visa and immigration applications for persons seeking to visit or emigrate to Canada or even for Canadians visiting and living in Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses at the High Commission situated at 13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive, in the Central Business District of Abuja say only a handful of security men were seen around the vicinity.
On Monday morning, just before noon, a fire outbreak occurred at the Commission killing two persons and seriously injuring two others.
A source suggested the fire started after an explosion at the embassy’s generator house as the plants were undergoing maintenance.
The Foreign Office of Canada confirmed the incident.
Melanie Joly, the foreign minister said: “We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria. The fire is out and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 2 people killed in this tragedy.”
Canada has been a haven for Nigerians seeking to emigrate out of the country and for tourism, making the embassy usually jam packed with visa seekers.
Do you like this story? Please Like 👍, Comment, Share & Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
