22/08/2026
NEMA, CR-SEMA Assess Devastating Fire at SPAR Calabar, Assure Victims of Support
By David Asu
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the devastating fire incident that occurred at SPAR Calabar in the early hours of Saturday.
The fire, which reportedly started at about 6:00 a.m., sent thick smoke across parts of Calabar and caused extensive damage to shops, goods and other properties within the shopping complex.
Several businesses, including a pharmacy, electronics store, clothing outlet, perfumery and phone shop, were affected by the inferno, with significant losses recorded by business owners.
Although no death was recorded, the incident resulted in substantial destruction of property, while some persons reportedly required assistance after being affected by the heavy smoke.
The assessment team, comprising officials of NEMA, CR-SEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, inspected the affected areas, interacted with victims and commenced documentation of the extent of damage and losses suffered by businesses and individuals.
Speaking during the assessment, the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, sympathized with the affected business owners and expressed the State Government’s solidarity with victims of the incident.
Mr. Nyong, who conveyed the goodwill of the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, assured the victims that the Agency would commence the necessary documentation and enumeration of affected persons and their losses to provide a clearer picture of the impact of the disaster.
He said the Agency would continue to work with NEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other relevant stakeholders to determine areas where immediate support could be provided to those affected.
The CR-SEMA Director General also commended personnel of the Cross River State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, University of Calabar Fire Service and other first responders for their efforts in containing the fire and preventing further spread.
He further cautioned against looting and vandalism at the affected facility, urging residents and business owners to allow security agencies and emergency responders to carry out their duties while investigations and assessments continue.
Preliminary reports indicated that the fire may have been preceded by an electrical fault within the complex, although the exact cause of the outbreak and the full extent of the losses remain subject to further assessment.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society was also actively involved in the emergency response, assisting persons affected by the smoke during the incident.
The assessment forms part of the Agency’s ongoing commitment to ensuring timely intervention, proper documentation of disaster impacts and coordinated support for individuals and businesses affected by emergencies across Cross River State.
