CALABAR, Cross River State — A fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the popular SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, destroying shops, goods and other property and sending thick plumes of smoke across parts of the city.
The blaze affected several sections of the complex, including areas housing a pharmacy, clothing outlet, perfumery and phone shop.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as traders, workers and residents rushed to salvage goods amid intense flames and heavy smoke visible from Barracks Road, about 100 yards from the mall.
Some shop owners were seen weeping as they watched stocks worth millions of naira go up in flames. While losses have been estimated at millions and potentially billions of naira, authorities have yet to release an official assessment.
Police Suspect Electrical Fault
The Cross River State Police Command said an electrical fault was the suspected cause of the fire.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said officers had been deployed to the scene since the outbreak of the fire.
“Possible cause of the fire points to an electrical fault,” Akata said.
He added that no casualties had been recorded.
Security and Emergency Response
Police officers also cordoned off affected areas to prevent looting after some individuals reportedly attempted to cart away goods that had been salvaged from the fire.
The emergency response reportedly faced initial challenges, with limited fire-service presence during the early stages of the incident. The mall’s internal hydrant system was also reportedly overwhelmed before additional fire trucks arrived.
Firefighters subsequently worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the complex.
Officials Visit Scene
Among the officials who visited the scene were the State Environmental Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Raymond Anunobi, and the Cross River State Governor’s Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba.
As of Saturday afternoon, authorities had not released a final assessment of the structural damage or a comprehensive estimate of the financial losses.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to continue.
There have also been informal reports of a possible explosion. However, official statements so far have pointed to an electrical fault and have not confirmed any gas or fuel explosion at the mall.
Credibility News will continue to update this report as more information becomes available.
