Fire Displaces 15 Families in Calabar, N200m Loss Reported

On Tuesday night, a fire outbreak on Ekondo Street in Calabar, Cross River State, displaced 15 families and destroyed property valued at approximately N200 million. The fire reportedly began in a bedroom around 10pm and quickly spread throughout the building, leading to the loss of household items, personal documents, and valuables.

Mr Anso Anso, an accountant, recounted how his son alerted the family to the fire. He expressed concern over the unclear cause, with residents suspecting an electrical fault.

Anso lost significant personal items, including academic certificates and wedding preparations. Another victim, 72-year-old Mrs Anthonia Iso Archibong, a retired Assistant Chief Accountant from the University of Calabar, sustained a head injury while escaping.

She appealed to the state government and the Director-General of SEMA for assistance, recalling her traumatic experiences from the 1966 Nigerian Civil War. Anso criticized the state fire service for their inadequate response, relying on community members to help control the blaze.