A fire outbreak at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt on March 15, 2025, was successfully averted by the Rivers State Fire Service, but the incident has since sparked controversy involving allegations of journalist mistreatment and public skepticism over reports.
On Saturday, March 15, a fire broke out within the premises of Salvation Ministries, a prominent church in Port Harcourt. According to on the ground reports, the Rivers State Fire Service responded swiftly, preventing a major disaster at the church’s headquarters on Birabi Street, GRA Phase 2. The cause and extent of the damage remain under investigation, but the quick response ensured no significant harm came to the church’s facilities or congregation.
Salvation Ministries, founded in 1997, is known for its large gatherings and community presence in Port Harcourt. An official statement from the church, shared on X expressed gratitude to God for the averted disaster and clarified that regular activities would continue as scheduled, addressing concerns raised by the incident.
It bears mentioning that the fire incident took a troubling turn when reports emerged of mistreatment of a journalist. According to an X post by PH_Socials on March 16 Mr. Precious Amadi, a reporter with Rhythm FM Port Harcourt, was allegedly beaten, locked up, and accused of being a spy by church members. The post, accompanied by a video, claimed Mr. Amadi was targeted for sending an SOS message about the fire outbreak. Replies to the post, including one from Bright Richard (@BrightR38286378), confirmed Mr. Amadi’s identity as a Rhythm FM journalist.
Rhythm FM, part of Silverbird Communications, is a reputable radio station in Port Harcourt known for its news and entertainment broadcasts. However, no official statements from Rhythm FM, Salvation Ministries, or local authorities have confirmed or denied the allegations, leaving questions about the incident unresolved.
Notably, While @PH_Socials posted a message of gratitude for the fire being controlled, quoting the initial fire report, the response on X revealed mixed reactions. Some users, including Loveth SJ (@LovethSJ), accused PH_Socials of spreading “fake news” and urged the deletion of inaccurate information, though the specific claims in question remain unclear. Other replies criticized the church’s actions, with comments suggesting overzealous behavior by members and raising broader concerns about church security and accountability.
Read More: IYC Leader Accuses Wike’s Security Of Shooting, Tear Gassing Women, Youths At Abalama
It bears mentioning that Salvation Ministries, Rhythm FM, and local authorities have yet to issue detailed statements. Residents and followers are urged to rely on verified news sources for updates as the situation develops.
