Midnight Fire Destroys Timber Market in Calabar

A late-night fire has left traders in Calabar counting heavy losses after a major timber market was destroyed.

The blaze, which burned for hours, raised fears it could spread to nearby residential facilities before emergency teams brought it under control. Here is what has been confirmed about the Calabar timber market fire.

The Calabar timber market fire started late on March 27, 2026, at the Akim timber market.

According to reports, the fire began around 8:30 p.m. and quickly spread through sections of the market, consuming timber and other goods.

The market is located close to the Akim Police Barracks, which heightened concern as the fire intensified.

Security personnel and emergency responders were deployed shortly after the incident was reported.

The response to the Calabar timber market fire involved:

• Police patrol and tactical units
• Cross River State Fire Service
• University of Calabar Fire Service

Officials worked together to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures, including the police barracks.

The operation was supervised by the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua.

Authorities confirmed that the Calabar timber market fire burned for over six hours before it was fully extinguished.

The fire was eventually put out in the early hours of March 28, at approximately 1:55 a.m.

Despite the scale of the incident, no fatalities were reported.

While lives were spared, the Calabar timber market fire caused significant property loss.

Officials say:

• Large quantities of timber were destroyed
• Other goods belonging to traders were affected
• The total financial loss is yet to be determined

Many traders reportedly rushed back to the market in an attempt to salvage their goods, but much of the damage had already been done.

Possible Cause Under Investigation

Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by a spark linked to public power supply.

However, authorities have emphasized that the exact cause of the Calabar timber market fire is still under investigation.

More details are expected once inquiries are completed.