No fewer than 15 houses were razed by fire on Tuesday in Agbokim Waterfall village, Etung Local Government Area, Cross River.
One of the affected buildings was the residence of the council’s vice chairman.
The fire was reportedly triggered by Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in one of the houses.
A witness, John Agbor, said a leakage from one of the drums of PMS spilled into a nearby fire, sparking the inferno that spread through the community.
“The worst is that there is no fire service close, and we were all left to our fate to bring the fire under control, but by then the damage had been done,” Mr Agbor said.
Mr Agbor said the PMS was meant for transit to Cameroon from Agbokim.
The director of the state fire service, Dennis Ajom, who confirmed the incident, said he had mobilised officers to the scene of the incident.
“I am aware. I directed officers from our Ikom office to move there, and I am awaiting a detailed report from them,” he stated.
(NAN)