The Cross River State Fire Service responded promptly. They arrived with their equipment, immediately began fighting the fire and called on sister agencies for additional support
By Faith Okon-Egbujiem
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Published on August 22, 2026
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4 min read
SPAR Calabar Mall was engulfed by fire today, and understandably, the incident caused concern and frustration. But in moments like this, it is important that we separate facts from the noise on social media.The Cross River State Fire Service responded promptly. They arrived with their equipment, immediately began fighting the fire and called on sister agencies for additional support. The Federal Fire Service also joined the operation and worked aggressively to contain the flames, while the UNICAL Fire Service later joined the effort.At some point, additional water was needed. SPAR did not have enough, so alternatives were sourced and the firefighters continued their work.Yet, while firefighters were putting themselves in harm’s way, some people were already online saying, “This government is not ready,” “Nothing works,” “Fire Service came without water,” “There is no Fire Service in Cross River State,” and so on.This is why I will always say, rely on social media for verified information at your own risk.I want to sincerely commend every agency and every firefighter who responded to this incident. It was a huge fire. Fires of this magnitude are not always extinguished within minutes, and the fact that firefighters stayed, fought and worked to prevent the situation from becoming even worse deserves recognition.That said, I will also strongly condemn what appears to be negligence on the part of SPAR management.From what we understand, there were indications yesterday that something was wrong, sparks and bulbs reportedly blowing up. That should have been treated as an emergency warning. There was time to investigate and take preventive action. Sadly, action was not taken early enough, and today they were confronted with a full-blown fire. That part is deeply troubling and should not be glossed over.Now, to those who seem to wait eagerly for every crisis so they can blame the government, please understand something: criticism is healthy when it is based on facts. Deliberately spreading unverified information simply to create panic or discredit every effort, however, helps nobody.Government agencies will continue to respond.Ministries and departments will continue to work.There will always be room for improvement, but there is also a responsibility to acknowledge genuine effort when it is made.Negativity does not make a person more informed, and misinformation does not make a government less effective.Let us learn from this incident, demand accountability where it is necessary, commend those who did their jobs well, and, above all, let us deal with facts.Cross River deserves nothing less.
The Cross River State Fire Service responded promptly. They arrived with their equipment, immediately began fighting the fire and called on sister agencies for additional support. The Federal Fire Service also joined the operation and worked aggressively to contain the flames, while the UNICAL Fire Service later joined the effort.
At some point, additional water was needed. SPAR did not have enough, so alternatives were sourced and the firefighters continued their work.
Yet, while firefighters were putting themselves in harm’s way, some people were already online saying, “This government is not ready,” “Nothing works,” “Fire Service came without water,” “There is no Fire Service in Cross River State,” and so on.
This is why I will always say, rely on social media for verified information at your own risk.
I want to sincerely commend every agency and every firefighter who responded to this incident. It was a huge fire. Fires of this magnitude are not always extinguished within minutes, and the fact that firefighters stayed, fought and worked to prevent the situation from becoming even worse deserves recognition.
That said, I will also strongly condemn what appears to be negligence on the part of SPAR management.
From what we understand, there were indications yesterday that something was wrong, sparks and bulbs reportedly blowing up. That should have been treated as an emergency warning. There was time to investigate and take preventive action. Sadly, action was not taken early enough, and today they were confronted with a full-blown fire. That part is deeply troubling and should not be glossed over.
Now, to those who seem to wait eagerly for every crisis so they can blame the government, please understand something: criticism is healthy when it is based on facts. Deliberately spreading unverified information simply to create panic or discredit every effort, however, helps nobody.
Government agencies will continue to respond.
Ministries and departments will continue to work.
There will always be room for improvement, but there is also a responsibility to acknowledge genuine effort when it is made.
Negativity does not make a person more informed, and misinformation does not make a government less effective.
Let us learn from this incident, demand accountability where it is necessary, commend those who did their jobs well, and, above all, let us deal with facts.
Cross River deserves nothing less.
