Duke Sympathizes With SPAR Mall Victims, Urges Probe Into Calabar Fire
By Missang AKPET
The Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) Rt. Hon. Chief Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D, has expressed deep sadness over the fire outbreak that gutted sections of the SPAR Mall, Calabar in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, Duke extended sympathy to the management of Artee Group/SPAR Mall Nigeria, affected traders, shop owners, workers, and all who lost goods and investments in the inferno.
He noted with relief that no life was lost and no serious injury was recorded.
The NDDC Commissioner commended the Cross River State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for their efforts in containing the blaze and preventing looting.
He, however, called for the recovery of fire trucks allegedly discovered in the private residence of a former government official, saying they should be added to the state’s fleet to strengthen emergency response.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary reports point to a possible electrical fault. Chief Duke urged authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and expeditious inquiry to establish the full circumstances and prevent a recurrence.
He pledged the Commission’s support for any relief and recovery efforts coordinated by the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Otu, and called on corporate bodies and well-meaning Cross Riverians to support those affected.
