Cross River State Government and the Federal Fire Service (FFS) have strongly condemned the violent attack on firefighters and the destruction of a fire-service truck during a blaze on Goldie Street, Calabar, on Sunday, 11 January 2026.
The incident occurred when firefighters responded to a distress call and were met by irate youths; several personnel were injured, and the truck was severely damaged.
Special Adviser to the Governor, Bassey Otu, on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, expressed deep concern over the rising number of fire outbreaks in Calabar and condemned the assault on emergency responders.
"Violence has never solved any problem. When you attack what belongs to you, you are, in effect, attacking yourself.
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A fire truck is not cheap; destroying it deprives the entire community of protection in future emergencies," Akiba maintained.
Akiba explained that the state inherited a neglected fire service sector and has begun massive reforms, including the renovation of fire service facilities, the procurement of new trucks, and plans to recruit more firefighters.
Two new fire trucks are already on the ground, with one stationed at the Governor's Office, and the renovation of the fire service headquarters is over 60% complete.
He attributed the delayed response at Goldie Street largely to communication gaps, urging the establishment of a clearly defined public emergency contact system.
The state government has established a multi-agency disaster management committee comprising the Fire Service, NEMA, SEMA, Red Cross, Police, Civil Defence, Health Ministry, and traditional institutions to enhance rapid response capabilities. Compensation efforts are underway; Governor Bassey Otu plans to provide relief once assessments are completed across the three senatorial districts.
In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, DCF P.O. Abraham, the Federal Fire Service also condemned the attack, describing it as an alarming trend.
The Service emphasised that firefighters do not cause emergencies but respond to them, and that obstructing or assaulting emergency personnel can multiply the losses. It warned that such actions constitute serious offences under Nigerian law.
Both the Cross River State Government and the Federal Fire Service appealed to residents, youths and community leaders to shun violence and support emergency responders, warning that continued hostility could discourage rapid response and further endanger lives and property.
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