By Frank Ulom
Victims of the devastating fire incident at the Calabar Mall (also referred to as Calabar SPAR Mall) have appealed to the Cross River State Government, corporate organisations, international donors, churches and well-meaning Nigerians to provide assistance to affected business owners.
The victims made the appeal in a press statement made available to Converseer on Saturday, following the fire outbreak that occurred at the mall in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August 2026, causing significant damage to businesses and means of livelihood.
They described the incident as painful and expressed concern over the losses suffered by tenants operating within the commercial complex.
The victims, under the aegis of All Victims of the Calabar SPAR Mall Fire Disaster, commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu, for what they described as their commitment to the welfare and development of Cross River State.
They also acknowledged the governor’s administration for promoting peace, unity, inclusive development and the People’s First Agenda.
According to the statement, the victims called on members of the National Assembly and Cross River State House of Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional institutions, churches, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and other individuals to rally support for affected tenants.
“Calabar SPAR Mall occupies a very important position at the heart of Calabar. Beyond being a commercial centre, it has become an important meeting point for businesses, families, visitors, tourists and investors who come into our State,” the statement said.
The victims noted that the mall had contributed to the economic and social life of Calabar over the years, particularly during major events and festive periods, by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and serving residents and visitors.
They said the destruction caused by the fire had disrupted businesses and threatened the livelihoods of tenants who depended on commercial activities at the facility.
The affected business owners said assistance had become particularly urgent as Cross River State prepares for the Christmas season and the 2026 Calabar Carnival.
They argued that restoring commercial activities at the mall would contribute to the experience of tourists, visitors, families and investors expected in Calabar during the festive period.
The victims said they were hopeful that the spirit of unity and compassion among Cross River residents would encourage individuals and organisations to support efforts aimed at helping affected tenants recover from their losses.
“Calabar is one family. Cross River State is one family. We have always been supportive of one another,” the victims stated.
They added that collective intervention could help restore businesses and services at the facility while demonstrating the compassion and unity of the people of Cross River State.