CALABAR, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Cross River State, John Upan Odey, has expressed deep sympathy to traders affected by the devastating fire that destroyed sections of the Obudu Central Market in the early hours of Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday, Odey described the incident as heartbreaking, saying it had caused significant losses to traders whose businesses and livelihoods were destroyed by the inferno.
“The devastating fire incident that ravaged sections of the Obudu Central Market has left me deeply saddened and greatly disturbed,” he said.
According to the NDC governorship candidate, the tragedy underscores the vulnerability of trading communities and highlights the need to strengthen disaster preparedness across Cross River State.
He noted that many of the affected traders had spent years building their businesses through hard work and sacrifice, making the losses particularly painful.
“For many of these victims, the affected businesses represent years of sacrifice, perseverance, and investment. To witness such hard-earned treasures disappear within a few hours is indeed heartbreaking,” Odey stated.
He extended his condolences to all traders, business owners, and families affected by the fire and urged them not to lose hope despite the magnitude of their losses.
“I wish to extend my deepest condolences and solidarity to every trader, family, and business owner affected by this unfortunate disaster. I urge the victims not to surrender to despair or hopelessness. Though the losses are enormous, the resilient spirit of the people of Obudu has always prevailed over adversity. Together, we shall overcome this painful setback.”
Odey also appealed to community leaders, religious organisations, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to provide humanitarian assistance, including donations and relief materials, to support victims as they rebuild their businesses.
He further called on the Cross River State Government and relevant emergency management agencies to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the damage and provide immediate relief and compensation to affected traders.
“Government intervention at this time is not merely desirable; it is imperative,” he said.
Beyond emergency assistance, the NDC candidate urged the authorities to prioritise the modernisation and safety of markets across the state by establishing and adequately equipping fire service stations, improving emergency response systems, installing firefighting equipment in major markets, and conducting regular public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and management.
“No society can attain meaningful economic growth when its entrepreneurs and small-scale traders are left vulnerable to preventable disasters. Our markets must be made safer, more resilient, and better protected,” he added.
Odey reaffirmed his commitment to advocating policies aimed at protecting livelihoods, strengthening emergency response structures, and promoting sustainable economic development across Cross River State.
He concluded by offering prayers for those affected by the disaster, asking God to comfort the victims, restore their losses, and grant them the strength to rebuild.
The statement was signed by John Upan Odey, Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Cross River State, and dated June 26, 2026.
