Fire destroys houses in Cross River

Fire Destroys Houses in Cross River

A devastating fire swept through the Okuku community in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The inferno, which started from a single bungalow, rapidly spread to surrounding structures, destroying houses worth millions of naira. Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with youths and women in the community rushing to save what they could from the affected houses. The fire was eventually brought under control, but not before it had caused significant damage.

The cause of the fire has been attributed to a power surge from the public electricity supply, a claim corroborated by eyewitnesses. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of fire service departments in the state, with many calling for a revamp of the existing infrastructure. The poor state of fire service stations in Cross River has been highlighted as a major concern, with many warning that it poses a significant threat to lives and property.

The fire is the latest in a string of incidents to hit the state in recent months. Just last week, a major timber market in Calabar was ravaged by fire, causing heavy losses for traders. A gas explosion at a filling station in Calabar also left many injured and caused significant damage to nearby houses and cars.

The Cross River State Fire Service has come under scrutiny following the incident, with many criticizing the lack of preparedness and equipment. The service has since explained that its fire trucks are currently undergoing maintenance, a fact that has done little to alleviate concerns about the state's fire safety.