By Frank Ulom
Several residential buildings were destroyed in a fire outbreak that swept through Eta-Agbor Cemetery Road in Calabar, Cross River State, in the early hours of Sunday, leaving many families homeless and counting heavy losses.
The fire reportedly started at about 1:00 a.m., although the exact cause remains unknown. While some residents believe the inferno may have been triggered by a gas cooker, others suspect it originated from a burning candle.
Eyewitnesses said residents joined forces to battle the inferno, preventing it from spreading to more buildings before emergency responders arrived.
They also criticised the response time of fire service, claiming the fire had already been extinguished by local residents before emergency officials arrived the scene.
Some witnesses alleged that the delayed arrival of fire service sparked anger among residents, who reportedly almost confronted the emergency personnel over what they described as repeated delays in responding to fire incidents within the city.
Although no deaths were reported, several occupants lost virtually all their possessions, including household items, clothing, educational materials and important personal documents.
One of the victims, Peace Peter Williams, a self-sponsored student of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, was among those hardest hit by the disaster.
According to an appeal issued on her behalf, the fire completely destroyed everything she owned, including her clothes, household property, school materials, certificates and academic records.
The appeal noted that Williams is an orphan who has been financing her education through personal effort and sacrifice. It stated that years of hard work were wiped out in a single night, with even receipts for school fees and vital educational documents consumed by the flames.
The incident comes at a particularly difficult time, as examinations at UNICAL are expected to begin within the next week, leaving the student struggling to cope with emotional trauma while attempting to recover from the devastating loss.
Another resident, Esther Okonna, said one of her fellowship members, a 200-level student of the university, also lost all her belongings in the fire.
“My fellowship member was a victim, a 200-level UNICAL student. All documents, everything burnt down. Thank God for life; she was able to rescue two kids. Quite unfortunate,” Okonna said.
The appeal described Peace Williams’ situation as especially distressing, noting that she escaped with only the nightwear she had on when the fire broke out.
Netizens are now calling on members of the public, charitable organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist the affected student in rebuilding her life by helping her replace basic necessities, recover important documents, secure accommodation and continue her education without interruption.
Donation for Peace Williams can be made via her account details below:
Name: Peace Peter Williams
Account Number: 2313864902
Bank: UBA