A major timber market in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, has been gutted by a late-night fire, the Cross River State Police Command confirmed the development.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the fire started at about 8.30 pm on Friday and nearly reached the State Area Command, which is located next to the timber market.

The quick response of the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B Afegbua and other members of the quick response team of the Police prevented the fire from escalating.

The statemént titled “Fire incident at timber market in Calabar” reads: “The Cross River State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a fire incident that occurred on the night of 27th March, 2026, at about 8:30 PM at the Timber Market located beside the Police Barracks in Calabar.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire allegedly started from a spark originating from the public power supply within the market.

Upon receipt of the report, a swift and coordinated response was initiated. Police personnel, including patrol teams and tactical units, were immediately deployed to the scene. The operation was personally coordinated by the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B Afegbua.

With the collaborative efforts of the police and the timely intervention of the Cross River State Fire Service and the University of Calabar Fire Service, the fire was successfully contained and prevented from spreading

The inferno was eventually extinguished at about 1:55 AM on 28th March, 2026. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. However, goods and properties, mainly timber and other materials, valued at millions of naira, were destroyed.

Investigation into the cause of the fire has commenced, and further developments will be communicated in due course.

The Command urges members of the public to adhere strictly to fire safety measures, especially in markets and other public places, to prevent such occurrences.”