CALABAR, Nigeria – Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, pledged state government support to victims of a fire outbreak at the SPAR shopping complex in Calabar on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Okay News reports that Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, represented Governor Bassey Otu during a visit to assess the structural damage and meet with affected traders.
“We are here to identify with the management, the traders and everyone who has been affected, and to assure them that they are not alone at this difficult moment,” Odey said.
Odey stated that authorities have not established the definitive cause of the fire, though preliminary evidence suggests an electrical fault.
“We have spoken with the management, but at this stage, we cannot conclusively say what caused the fire. There are indications that it may have been electrical, but we must allow the appropriate authorities to conduct their investigations before arriving at a definitive conclusion,” Odey said.
The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency has initiated arrangements to evaluate the destruction and outline immediate relief measures.
“The Director-General of SEMA is already on the matter. The agency will carry out a proper assessment of the damage, identify the victims and establish the areas where immediate relief is required,” Odey said.
The state government plans to assist affected businesses with operational recovery and review safety procedures.
“Our objective is not just to come here, sympathise with the victims and leave. We want to see how government can support them to get back on their feet. We will provide the necessary support within the capacity of government to ensure that the affected businesses can resume operations as soon as reasonably possible,” Odey said.
“We will look at what happened, identify the gaps and take appropriate measures to ensure that an incident of this nature does not happen again,” Odey added.
Odey commended the Cross River State Fire Service for responding to the emergency.
“I want to commend the Cross River State Fire Service. They responded promptly and professionally to this emergency. This is why it is important for us to continue investing in our emergency-response institutions. When disaster strikes, every minute matters,” Odey said.
