The Cross River State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. (Mrs.) Abigail Duke Orok, has expressed deep sympathy to the management, shop owners, and all victims affected by the fire outbreak at the SPAR Calabar Mall on Saturday.
Speaking after the incident, Dr. Orok commended the personnel of the Cross River State Fire Service and other emergency responders for their swift intervention, which contained the inferno and prevented further destruction of the shopping complex.
The Commissioner confirmed that key response agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, CR-SEMA, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have commenced documentation and a comprehensive assessment of losses to facilitate relief and recovery efforts.
Dr. Orok urged all affected business owners, staff, and residents to remain calm and resilient despite the setback. She assured the business community that the administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, remains committed to sustaining Cross River State as the safest and most investor-friendly destination in Nigeria.
“Cross River State is our home, and we must remain calm,” Dr. Orok stated. “I urge the public not to allow this incident to discourage local or foreign investors. Governor Otu is working tirelessly to ensure the state retains its pride of place as ‘The People’s Paradise.’
Emergency services and relevant safety authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire, while official evaluation of losses is ongoing.
By Obaseoyi Bassey
