The Cross River State Fire Service has raised concerns over inadequate firefighting equipment amid a series of fire outbreaks that have destroyed property worth millions of naira in Calabar and other parts of Cross River.
Within the past two weeks, several incidents — including a gas explosion, a timber market fire, and a residential building inferno — have heightened public anxiety over the state’s emergency response capacity.
One of the most devastating incidents occurred on March 22, 2026, when a fire engulfed Fonex Filling Station along Edibe-Edibe Road in Calabar South. The inferno reportedly involved two large gas plants and spread to nearby communities, burning houses, economic trees and leaving several residents with injuries.
Just days later, on March 27 at about 8:30 p.m., another fire outbreak destroyed more than 100 shops at the Akim Timber Market located near the Aroline Police Barracks in Calabar.
Preliminary information from the Nigeria Police Force indicated that the blaze may have originated from a spark linked to public electricity supply within the market.
The fire spread rapidly due to the presence of highly flammable materials, particularly timber, causing extensive damage before emergency responders were able to bring the situation under control.
Traders at the market suffered heavy losses as goods and property worth millions of naira were destroyed, leaving many of them devastated.
Earlier, a residential building along Okpoma Road in Okuku, located in Yala Local Government Area, was also razed by fire, completely destroying the structure.
The spate of fire incidents has triggered concerns among residents, many of whom questioned why the state fire service was unable to promptly contain the outbreaks before they caused widespread destruction.
Reacting to the situation, the Director of the Cross River State Fire Service, Emmanuel Ajom, said firefighters in the state were well trained but lacked the necessary equipment to effectively combat fire outbreaks.
“I feel deeply pained and saddened by the fire outbreaks. Our men are well trained and capable of putting out these fires, but we lack the necessary equipment to combat them. You cannot put out a raging flame with bare hands,” Ajom said.
He explained that the service urgently needs functional fire trucks, water hoses and other modern firefighting tools to improve response to emergencies.
Ajom appealed to Governor Bassey Edet Otu to prioritise the needs of the fire service in order to safeguard lives and property across the state.
“I want to use this medium to appeal to our governor, who is doing well in many sectors, to also look in the direction of the fire service. We need functional vehicles, water hoses and other equipment used in modern firefighting,” he added.
The fire service chief, however, appreciated the governor for recently approving the repair of old fire trucks, which are currently undergoing test runs, but stressed that the service requires brand new equipment for effective operations.
Residents of Calabar also urged the state government to strengthen emergency response systems.
One resident, Helen Ekpo, called for improved funding and capacity for the fire service.
“They need proper funding, equipment and training so they can respond effectively when emergencies occur,” she said.
Another resident, Daniel O’Neil, said the issue should be treated as a priority.
“While we appreciate the efforts of the governor in other areas, the fire service issue should also receive urgent attention. Today it is others who are affected; tomorrow it could be any of us,” he said.
The latest incidents have renewed calls for improved safety standards, better emergency preparedness and stronger fire prevention measures across commercial and residential areas in the state.
