Fire outbreaks are becoming an alarming and recurring tragedy across Cross River State, with homes, markets, public buildings and businesses repeatedly reduced to ashes while victims count billions of naira in losses. The latest incident occurred along Etagbor Cemetery Road in Calabar, where several homes were destroyed, once again drawing attention to what many residents describe as a growing emergency that demands urgent government action.
Between 2023 and July 2026, publicly available records show that Cross River has recorded more than 40 reported fire incidents, although the actual figure is believed to be much higher because many residential and community fires were never officially documented. During the period, properties worth well over ₦3 billion have been destroyed, while lives have also been lost and several others injured. In 2025 alone, the Federal Fire Service reported that 18 fire incidents affected 14 houses, destroyed properties valued at more than ₦3 billion, claimed two lives and left five others injured. The Service said electrical faults, gas explosions, bush fires and petroleum-related incidents were among the leading causes of the outbreaks.
The destruction has cut across different sectors of the state. In March 2024, a massive fire swept through Ikom Main Market, destroying about 620 shops and wiping out goods worth millions of naira. Days later, a petrol tanker fire in Ikom claimed one life and destroyed dozens of shops and motorcycles. This year, Magistrate Court 1 in Ikom was completely razed, destroying vital court records, exhibits and case files, leaving the court unable to function and raising concerns about delays in the administration of justice. Earlier this year, another major fire also destroyed sections of the timber market in Calabar, while the latest inferno at Etagbor Cemetery Road has left more families homeless.
For many residents, these incidents are no longer isolated disasters but evidence of a worrying trend. Across Calabar, Ikom and other parts of the state, residents have repeatedly complained that fire service often arrive late, forcing neighbours and passers-by to battle raging flames with buckets of water and other crude methods before emergency responders reach the scene. Many believe the Fire Service lacks adequate equipment, operational vehicles and manpower to respond effectively to the increasing number of emergencies.
Those concerns gained fresh attention after a viral video showed the reported poor condition of the Cross River State Fire Service headquarters in Calabar. The video revealed leaking roofs, deteriorating office buildings and what many described as an unsuitable working environment for firefighters. Residents argue that if emergency personnel are operating under such conditions, it raises serious questions about the state's preparedness to tackle major fire disasters.
The Federal Fire Service has acknowledged facing operational challenges, including shortages of diesel, water tankers, ambulances and utility vehicles. The agency has appealed for increased government support, warning that these logistical difficulties continue to affect emergency response across the state.
The Cross River State Government has, however, maintained that it is taking steps to improve the situation. Following a series of recent fire outbreaks, the government announced the commencement of a statewide data collection exercise for victims to enable relief and support. It also said agencies including the Fire Service, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Police, Civil Defence and the Red Cross have been mobilised to assess losses and coordinate assistance. Government officials have also said efforts are ongoing to rehabilitate fire service facilities and strengthen emergency response, while insisting that communication challenges, rather than the total absence of equipment, have contributed to delays in some emergencies.
Despite these assurances, many Cross River residents believe much more needs to be done. They are calling for additional fire stations across the state, modern firefighting trucks and equipment, improved welfare for firefighters, regular maintenance of emergency facilities and stronger public education on fire prevention. As another community begins the painful task of rebuilding after the Etagbor Cemetery Road fire, many residents fear that unless urgent and sustained action is taken, more homes, businesses and public institutions could be lost to the next inferno.
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