Residents of Calabar have urged Governor Bassey Otu to urgently revamp and adequately equip the Cross River State Fire Service following a fresh fire outbreak at the SPAR Shopping Mall.
The residents said recurring fire incidents had destroyed homes, shops, markets and other properties, raising concerns about the state's capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, when fire gutted a section of the SPAR Mall. No casualty was recorded, according to the Cross River State Police Command.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Etokpah, said preliminary findings pointed to an electrical fault.
"Properties belonging to traders at the SPAR Mall were affected by the fire. The possible cause points to an electrical fault and no casualties have been recorded," he said.
Etokpah added that security personnel had been deployed to prevent looting and protect property.
The incident has renewed concerns over fire safety in Calabar, with residents calling for functional fire trucks, modern equipment and adequate personnel.
A resident, Benjamin Ogar, said effective firefighting infrastructure could reduce the destruction caused by fire outbreaks.
"This type of large scale destruction can be avoided if there is an effective fire service department," he said.
Another resident, Nsikak Abang, called for the rehabilitation of fire stations across the state's three senatorial districts.
"If the government is serious about public safety, it should equip fire service stations because emergencies don't ring bells," Abang said.
Calabar has recorded several major fire incidents in recent years, including outbreaks at the University of Calabar Registry, Chamley, William George Street, Atimbo, IBB Way, Bedwell Market, Goldie, Ika Ika, Iso Oqua and Etagbor Cemetery Road.
In March 2026, a gas explosion at Edibe Edibe reportedly injured several people, while a fire at Akim Timber Market reportedly destroyed more than 100 shops.
The residents urged the governor to prioritise the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Fire Service and strengthen fire prevention measures across the metropolis.
They said a better equipped and more responsive emergency service would help minimise the loss of lives and property during fire outbreaks.
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