Fire guts houses, shops in Calabar

A fire outbreak razed some houses and shops along Eyo Edem Street in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, on Tuesday morning.

The unfortunate incident, which occurred around 3am, affected six houses and four shops.

It could not be ascertained what caused the fire but a caretaker of one of the affected buildings suspected one of the shops, likely a tailoring shop or a barber shop, had left an electoral appliances on since the was no power when they closed.

It was believed this may have led to a spark when power was restored at about 3am, causing the fire.


Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries, but property believed to be worth millions of naira was lost.

An eyewitness said the Fire Service responded promptly but could not achieve much as their equipment could not match the intensity of the fire.

The Navy Secondary school in Akpabuyo local government area also witnessed a fire outbreak around noon in one of the male hostels.

Again fortunately no one was hurt in the incident as the students were not in the hostel at the time.

A source in the school, who begged to be anonymous, said although it could not be confirmed, the fire may not be unconnected with the electricity power surge and fluctuations experienced in the school premises at the time.

Attempts to get the school commandant to comment on the issue proved abortive.

It was gathered she was not disposed to speak as she was doing everything to ensure that everything was under control.

“We thank God the fire outbreak did not occur when at night nor when the students were in the hostel,” the source said.


It was learnt that most of the students had attempted to rescue some of their belongings but were stopped by the authorities.