The inferno occurred on June 26, 2026, at shops located from 12F to 17F Calabar Road by Cyclist Park in Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State. Victims say the fire wiped out their source of livelihood and left them stranded.
Mr. Njoku Nnanyere Nicodemus, one of the worst-hit traders, said he lost goods valued at about N38 million. He attributed the cause to power restoration at night.
“The fire outbreak occurred at night when the Power Holding Company of Nigeria brought back electricity and it sparked the fire,” he said.
“No, it was from the electric pole and thereafter it entered our shops at the thick of the night.”
Nicodemus, who sells footwear and clothing, said a passerby raised the alarm. “A passerby sighted the fire and drew the attention of traders,” he explained.
He added that he sustained injuries while trying to salvage goods. Listing his destroyed items, he said, “I sell quality shoes, pants, boots, jeans, T-shirts, packet shirts, shoes and wigs.”
Another trader, Mr. Emmanuel Ukwayi, put his losses “at N15 million or above.” With the two major losses combined, the traders estimate the total damage at N53 million.
“Even if I keep on quantifying the losses, it won’t change anything,” Ukwayi said. “It’s about N38 million. N38 million value.”
Weeks after the incident, the traders say no government agency has reached them. “None had reached any of us for relief,” a victim stated when asked if SEMA, NEMA, or the state government had visited.
He also faulted an earlier assessment team, saying, “They said they checked from the location of the emergency, I said it’s not the same.”
Despite the hardship, the traders are making a direct appeal for support.
“My cry to them is that, like I said, that is why those agencies are being created. It’s to help in terms of this disaster,” Ukwayi said.
“This is not a natural disaster. Those agencies are created for the sake of the people.”
He added, “It has happened, and I thank God nobody was lost. We only sustained injuries, but not high-degree injuries. They can come to our rescue. Any support they give to us is highly acceptable. Any support, we highly appreciate it.
“We have to have a process to be able to start something again,” he concluded.
