Fire guts 15 houses in Cross River community

No fewer than 15 houses were destroyed on Tuesday after a devastating fire outbreak swept through Agbokim Waterfall village in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Among the properties lost to the inferno was the residence of the council’s Vice Chairman, further highlighting the scale of the disaster.

According to reports, the fire was triggered by Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which had been stored in one of the houses. Once ignited, the blaze quickly spread to neighboring buildings, leaving residents scrambling to save what they could.

An eyewitness, Mr John Agbor, said a leakage from one of the drums of PMS spilled into a nearby fire, sparking the inferno that spread through the community.

“It was hell of a fire, and the whole community was covered with fear as the fire spread and thick smoke billowed into the sky.

“The worst is that there is no fire service close, and we were all left to our fate to bring the fire under control, but by then the damage had been done,” Agbor said.

Agbor said the PMS was meant for transit to Cameroon from Agbokim.

Contacted the Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Dennis Ajom, who confirmed the incident, said he had mobilised saying officers ti the scene of the incident.

Contacted, the Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Dennis Ajom, confirmed the incident, saying he had mobilised officers to the scene.

“I am aware. I directed officers from our Ikom office to move there, and I am awaiting a detailed report from them,” he stated.