The Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Ph.D., has expressed deep concern and sadness following a devastating fire outbreak that gutted major sections of the SPAR Mall (Calabar Mall) in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026.
In a press statement released on Sunday, Duke extended his heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to the management of Artee Group/SPAR Mall Nigeria, as well as the affected shop owners, traders, and workers who lost investments and valuable goods in the inferno.
Relieved that no lives were lost nor serious injuries recorded, the NDDC representative offered thanks to God and praised emergency personnel for their prompt intervention.
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“I commend the prompt efforts of the Cross River State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security and emergency agencies who worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, secure the premises, and prevent further damage or looting,” Duke stated. He also raised a point regarding public infrastructure, adding a wish that fire service trucks recently discovered at the private residence of a former government official be recovered and integrated into the state’s official emergency fleet.
While preliminary investigations suggest an electrical fault as the likely cause, the NDDC Rep urged relevant authorities to conduct a transparent, thorough, and swift inquiry to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
Highlighting SPAR Mall’s vital role as a primary commercial hub for Calabar residents, Duke stressed the economic impact of the blaze on local livelihoods. He affirmed his readiness in line with the NDDC’s mandate for sustainable development to collaborate with the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Otu and other key stakeholders to provide relief and help rebuild affected businesses.
He concluded by calling on residents, corporate bodies, and state partners to demonstrate compassion and practical assistance to victims during this period of recovery.
