Fire razes building, renders 44 homeless in Calabar

By Frank Ulom

44 people have been rendered homeless following the fire incident that razed down their 11-room residential apartment in Cross River.

Converseer learned that the unfortunate incident happened on Wednesday at Edibe Edibe by Abua Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of the State.

The cause of the fire outbreak could not be ascertained at the time of this report but our Reporter gathered that investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the incident.

The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Hon. James Anam while on a visit to the place on Wednesday morning, assured the victims of the government’s support in their recovery process.

Hon. James Anam, Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA (2nd Left), alongside representatives of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, assessing a fire outbreak site at Edibe Edibe by Abua Street, Calabar, Cross River State. 31 Jan. 2024.

Anam who was accompanied by the representatives from the Red Cross Society of Nigeria to assess the extent of damage, encouraged the victims to remain hopeful as efforts are being made to provide them with the necessary assistance to cushion the effect of the emergency.

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The Commissioner expressed deep concern and sympathy for the affected families, promising that “His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu will do everything within his powers to provide you with relief materials and other supports you may require.”

A representative from the Red Cross Society also pledged the organisation’s commitment to assisting the victims while charging residents to be cautious on safety measures to forestall further occurrences.

CONVERSEER reports that this is the fourth fire outbreak the state has suffered this January.

The first was the burning of SteadyFlow College of Education in Akparabong, Ikom Local Government, the second was the burning of yam barns belonging to nine farmers along Bishiri road in Obudu Local Goverment while the third is the burning of a 16-room apartment in Okuku, Yala Local Goverment.