By Frank Ulom
Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Otu Duke, PhD, Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has expressed sympathy to traders, workers and businesses affected by the fire outbreak at SPAR Mall, also known as Calabar Mall.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, gutted sections of the shopping complex in Calabar, destroying goods and business investments.
Dr Duke, in a statement issued on Sunday, August 23, said he received the incident with “deep concern and profound sadness”, while expressing relief that no life was lost and no serious injury was recorded.
He extended his condolences to the management of Artee Group/SPAR Mall Nigeria, affected traders, shop owners, workers and others who suffered losses in the incident.
The NDDC commissioner recalled his involvement in protecting the facility during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, when he said he mobilised residents of Ward 1 in Calabar South and personally relocated to the area to help protect the mall.
“I quite recollect how I mobilised citizens of Ward 1, Calabar South and personally relocated to protect SPAR, during the End SARS Protests/Riots,” he said.
Duke commended the Cross River State Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force and other security and emergency agencies for their efforts in containing the fire, securing the premises and preventing further damage or looting.
He, however, called for the recovery of some fire service trucks reportedly found at the private residence of a former government official, saying they could strengthen the state’s firefighting capacity.
“I also wish that some of the Fire Service Trucks that were recently discovered in the private residence of a former Government official could be recovered and added to the fleet of Cross River State-owned Fire Service Trucks,” he said.
While noting that the cause of the fire remained under investigation, Duke said preliminary reports suggested a possible electrical fault.
He urged relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent and expeditious investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent similar occurrences.
According to him, the safety of lives and property in commercial centres should remain a collective responsibility.
Duke also highlighted the wider economic implications of the fire, noting that SPAR Mall had become an important commercial hub for Calabar residents and businesses across Cross River State.
He said, as the state’s representative on the NDDC Board, he recognised the impact of the incident on local businesses and livelihoods and expressed readiness to support coordinated recovery efforts.
The NDDC commissioner said he would support efforts by the Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Otu, and other stakeholders to provide relief and facilitate the recovery of affected businesses.
He further appealed to Cross Riverians, corporate organisations and development partners to support those who suffered losses.
“In moments like this, our shared sense of community and resilience as a people must come to the fore,” he said.
Duke prayed for comfort and strength for those affected by the fire, urging them to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.