The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) began assessing damage on Sunday from a fire that destroyed three shops and a two-bedroom apartment in Calabar.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at 37 Ebuka Street, White House, Calabar South council area. The fire was allegedly caused by an electrical fault.

The director-general of CR-SEMA, Efa Nyong, described the incident as unfortunate and sympathised with the victims over their losses.

Mr Nyong assured the victims of government intervention, saying the assessment would determine the extent of damage and necessary support.

The landlady, Arit Effiom, attributed the fire to an electrical spark and described the incident as devastating.

She said the shops and apartment provided important rental income, adding that she had lost properties accumulated over several decades.

“I appeal to the state government for assistance because this incident has left me in a difficult situation,” she said.

Aniedi Anderson, a bar operator whose business was destroyed, said he lost virtually everything. His losses included refrigerators, chillers, generators, chairs and stocked goods.

Mr Anderson described the incident as a devastating setback that had reduced his business to zero. He appealed for government support to enable him to recover from the losses.

Other affected shop owners and tenants also lamented the destruction of clothing, household belongings and other personal valuables.

No casualties were recorded, but the fire destroyed parts of the property, leaving victims with significant material losses.

(NAN)