By Abasi Ita
A fire outbreak has gutted a section of the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar, Cross River State, with the state Police Command confirming that no casualty was recorded.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, affected properties belonging to traders operating within the mall.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said preliminary findings indicated that an electrical fault might have caused the fire.
“Properties belonging to traders at the SPAR Mall were affected by the fire. The possible cause points to an electrical fault and no casualties have been recorded,” Eitokpah said.
He added that security personnel had been deployed to the scene to protect the facility and property belonging to traders.
“We have set up a perimeter to prevent looting and to protect property belonging to individuals,” he said.
The fire was first noticed at the mall on Saturday morning, sending thick clouds of smoke into the atmosphere and forcing the suspension of business activities at the facility.
Eyewitnesses said the outbreak was preceded by what sounded like a minor explosion. However, the police said preliminary findings pointed to an electrical fault as the possible cause.
Images from the scene showed flames consuming part of the building, with thick smoke billowing from the affected section.
Emergency responders were deployed to the scene as efforts were made to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other sections of the facility.
The incident attracted residents and passersby, while traders and shoppers were thrown into panic as security personnel cordoned off the area.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm as efforts continued to secure the premises and protect property within the mall.
The incident has renewed concerns over the recurring fire outbreaks in Calabar, which in recent years have destroyed homes, shops, markets, offices and other properties across the metropolis.
In 2024, notable incidents included fires at the University of Calabar Registry and Chamley, while official statistics recorded several other outbreaks handled by the Calabar Fire Station.
The situation persisted in 2025, with fires destroying shops and residential properties along William George Street, Atimbo and IBB Way. Bedwell Market also suffered a major fire in October.
The trend continued in 2026, with fire outbreaks reported at Goldie, Ika Ika, Iso Oqua and Etagbor Cemetery Road. A gas explosion at Edibe Edibe in March injured several people, while a major fire at Akim Timber Market reportedly destroyed more than 100 shops.
The latest incident at SPAR Mall on August 22 has further heightened concerns over fire prevention, emergency preparedness and public safety in the metropolis.
Residents and business owners have continued to call for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards, regular inspection of electrical installations and improved emergency response mechanisms to prevent further loss of lives and property.