A major fire has broken out at the popular SPAR Mall in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, destroying shops and goods within the shopping complex.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning, with videos shared on social media showing thick black smoke and flames engulfing parts of the facility.
Several shop owners and members of the public were seen gathered outside the mall as the fire spread, with some watching helplessly as their businesses and belongings were consumed by the flames.
“It’s moving from shop to shop,” a witness was heard saying in one of the videos.
Some people at the scene also complained about the perceived delay in the arrival of emergency responders.
“No fire service in Calabar,” another witness said.
In another video, a woman could be heard crying as she spoke about the losses suffered by business owners.
“What a day. See what is happening to millions of naira at SPAR shopping mall. No water to quench it, no fire service to rescue. Look at our shops and millions of naira,” she said.
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Later footage showed a fire truck and police personnel arriving at the scene. The responders were seen working to contain the fire, while police officers helped control the crowd around the facility.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the Cross River State Government or relevant emergency authorities on possible casualties, the extent of the damage or the financial value of property destroyed in the incident.