Calabar Mall Fire: Five arrested with stolen items – Police

A fire broke out at the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday morning, leading to extensive damage to commercial and personal property within the building. The incident occurred during the early hours, prompting immediate action by local authorities and emergency services to control the blaze and assist evacuees. According to eyewitness accounts captured in videos shared on social media, the fire began in the early morning hours and quickly spread through the mall’s interior. A content creator known as “Dr Laff” documented the unfolding crisis via a live video posted on Facebook, showing crowds of individuals removing goods and personal effects from the premises. The footage revealed intense flames engulfing multiple areas of the mall, with thick smoke rising into the atmosphere. In one clip, a woman appeared visibly upset, placing her hands on her head as she watched the destruction unfold around her. Other clips depicted firefighters using equipment to battle the fire, while security personnel worked alongside them to secure the site and prevent unauthorized access. The fire service responded swiftly to the emergency, deploying trucks and personnel to the location. Firefighters directed efforts toward containing the blaze within the affected zones, though the intensity of the flames made suppression challenging. Despite the chaos, no fatalities were reported as of the time of the police statement. Authorities emphasized that they were working to prevent potential looting of remaining assets, which remained unsecured after the initial evacuation. The police spokesperson for Cross River State, Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed that the incident was under investigation and that preliminary findings pointed to an electrical fault as the likely cause. He stated that the fire started in the early hours and that several businesses and private properties within the mall suffered significant damage. However, he noted that the exact financial impact of the loss could not yet be determined, as assessments were still ongoing. The police also assured the public that further updates would be released as the situation evolved. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with numerous individuals rushing to salvage their belongings before the fire consumed the area. Some residents and shop owners expressed shock at the scale of the destruction, noting that the mall served as a key economic hub in the region. One individual, identified only as a customer, lamented the loss of merchandise and personal items, emphasizing the emotional toll of the disaster. Local officials and community leaders have begun coordinating efforts to assess the full scope of the damage and provide support to affected parties. While the immediate focus remains on recovery operations and securing the site, discussions are underway regarding long-term measures to enhance fire safety protocols in commercial buildings. The incident has sparked conversations about the need for stricter adherence to fire prevention standards, particularly in densely populated urban centers. As investigations continue, the community awaits further clarification on the cause of the fire and the full extent of its consequences. Emergency services remain on standby, ready to respond to any new developments. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance in preventing such incidents in the future.