On Tuesday, a devastating fire engulfed 15 homes in Agbokim Waterfall village, located in the Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State. Among the structures lost was the residence of the local council’s vice chairman.
The blaze was reportedly ignited by Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored within one of the homes. Eyewitness John Agbor recounted that a leak from one of the PMS drums ignited after spilling into an adjacent fire, leading to the rapid spread of the flames throughout the community.
“The most distressing aspect is that there is no fire service in the vicinity, leaving us to fend for ourselves in controlling the blaze, but by then, the damage was already significant,” Mr. Agbor remarked. He added that the PMS was intended for transportation to Cameroon from Agbokim.
Dennis Ajom, the director of the state fire service, confirmed the incident and reported that he had dispatched officers to the scene. “I am aware of the situation. I have instructed personnel from our Ikom office to respond, and I am awaiting a comprehensive report from them,” he stated.
(NAN)
