A major fire has gutted the popular SPAR Mall in Calabar, Cross River State, destroying goods and property worth millions of naira at the shopping complex. The incident, which occurred at the busy mall in the heart of the state capital, sent panic through shoppers and business owners on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly through parts of the building, with thick smoke and towering flames forcing shop owners, workers and customers to flee the premises. Many rushed out with only what they could carry as emergency calls were made for help. Videos from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the mall while people watched from a safe distance.
One of the affected traders described the incident as devastating, saying they watched helplessly as years of investment went up in flames. “We could not do anything. The fire was too much. Our shops, our goods, everything is gone,” the victim said, fighting back tears as other traders tried to salvage what was left of their wares.
As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed. Officials have also not confirmed the full extent of the damage or whether there were casualties. Fire service personnel were seen at the scene working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby stores.Hov,h
SPAR Mall is one of Calabar’s busiest shopping destinations and hosts dozens of local and international brands. The destruction has left many traders counting their losses and calling on the Cross River State Government and relevant agencies to investigate the incident and provide support to victims.
The Cross River State Fire Service said its men arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving the distress call and battled the fire for several hours. A senior officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said the team focused on stopping the flames from extending to adjacent buildings. He added that investigations will begin once the site is safe to access.
Traders’ associations in Calabar have described the incident as a huge setback to commerce in the state capital. The Chairman of Calabar South Traders Union said many of the affected shop owners rely on bank loans to stock their businesses and now face an uncertain future. He appealed to the state government, NEMA, and corporate organizations to provide relief materials and financial assistance to the victims.
The state government is yet to issue an official statement on the fire. However, residents around Marian Road and the mall axis said the incident has raised fresh concerns about fire safety measures in public buildings. Community leaders urged mall management and relevant agencies to conduct safety audits across shopping complexes in Calabar to prevent a recurrence.
