Another fire outbreak destroys homes, shops in Ikom (PHOTOS)

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Many homes and market shops have been gutted by fire along the Ikom market in Cross River State, causing damage estimated in millions of naira.

The fire occurred near County Specialist Hospital, causing widespread destruction in its vicinity, including areas neighboring Tulip Cocoa and Nogak Secondary School, adjacent to the new Bokomo entrance near the Lisbon Hotel.

According to an eyewitness, the fire was caused by a tanker carrying petrol that lost control and toppled over.

“The tanker fell opposite County Hospital Ikom on Calabar road and exploded and bikes and cars were parked there because there is a warehouse closer to that place,” another eyewitness stated.

Recall that there were incidents of fire outbreaks in Ikom in 2016, July 2020, April 2023, and recently at Cross River College of Education in January 2024.

These multiple fire incidents have made Ikom notoriously known for fire outbreaks, and despite repeated pleas from the community, the government has failed to provide the people with the necessary resources to tackle such emergencies effectively.

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Reports gathered that numerous homes, including market shops, had been damaged, and an estimated 20 to 30 motorcycles were destroyed by the fire.

As of the time of writing this report, the number of casualties is not yet known, and the fire services have not yet responded to put out the fire.

See photos below