Two people have died after a refuse dump collapsed on a building in Ikot Effanga, along Old Odukpani Road in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Friday.

Two Occupants Die

Police officers responded to the scene after receiving a report of the collapse. They found that a large refuse dump had fallen onto a building reportedly located within a valley.

The police identified one of the victims as Nfon Imé, a male. The second victim was a woman whose identity remains unknown.

Both victims were inside the building when the refuse collapsed. Rescue efforts later recovered their bodies from the scene.

Police took the bodies to a mortuary, according to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

Police Begin Investigation

The police command has started investigating the incident. Officers are also assessing the site to understand what caused the refuse dump to collapse.

The command has not yet established the full circumstances that led to the deaths. It said investigators would provide more information after they verify the facts.

READ ALSO : Two Rescued After One-Storey Building Collapses in Kubwa, Abuja

Police also appealed to residents to remain calm. The command warned against speculation while the investigation continues.

Housing Safety Concerns

The incident raises concerns about the safety of buildings located near large waste dumps and other high-risk areas.

The location of a building plays an important role in housing safety. Developers and property owners need to consider the condition of the land before construction begins.

Valleys and other low-lying areas can present special challenges. Developers may need to assess the land, drainage and surrounding environment before putting up buildings.

Poor waste disposal can also create problems in urban areas. Large waste piles can block drainage channels and place extra pressure on nearby land and structures.

Importance of Proper Urban Planning

The Calabar incident also shows why proper urban planning matters to housing development.

Safe housing depends on more than the construction of a strong building. Authorities and developers must also consider land use, drainage, waste disposal and the wider environment.

Building approval and enforcement can help prevent development in unsuitable locations. Regular monitoring can also help authorities identify risks before they threaten residents.

However, the police have not blamed any individual, developer or agency for the incident. The investigation is still underway, and the cause of the collapse has yet to be fully established.

Investigation Continues

The Cross River State Police Command said it would release further details as investigators confirm more information about the incident.

The deaths at Ikot Effanga highlight the need for greater attention to housing safety, waste management and land-use planning. As the investigation continues, its findings may help explain what caused the refuse dump to collapse and whether any preventable risks contributed to the tragedy.

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A fire broke out at SPAR Calabar Mall in Cross River State on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026. The incident reportedly followed an explosion at the shopping complex.

Thick smoke rose from the mall as emergency efforts began. The fire also caused panic among people around the area.

Explosion Reportedly Triggered Fire

Early reports linked the fire to what some people described as a minor gas or fuel explosion. However, authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident.

Videos and photographs from the scene showed flames affecting part of the mall. People also gathered outside the complex as emergency teams worked to control the fire.

The exact point where the fire started remains unclear. Authorities are expected to examine the site as part of efforts to establish what caused the reported explosion.

Extent of Damage Remains Unknown

The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear. It was also not known how many shops, facilities or goods the fire may have affected.

There were no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries as of the time of filing this report. Officials have yet to provide a full account of the incident.

The situation also raised concerns among businesses operating within the shopping complex. A major fire can disrupt commercial activity and cause losses for retailers, property owners and other businesses.

Fire Safety and Commercial Buildings

The incident highlights the importance of fire safety in large commercial properties. Shopping malls often receive large numbers of visitors each day. They therefore require reliable fire detection and emergency systems.

Building owners and facility managers must keep fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency exits and other safety systems in good working order. Regular inspections can also help identify risks before they become serious incidents.

Fire safety also matters during the design and construction of commercial buildings. Developers must consider safe evacuation routes and other measures that can protect people during emergencies.

Implications for Real Estate and Infrastructure

The fire also brings attention to the wider issue of safety in Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector. Modern retail centres form an important part of urban infrastructure. Their safety can affect businesses, workers, shoppers and surrounding communities.

Property managers also play an important role after construction. They must maintain safety equipment and ensure that staff understand emergency procedures.

For developers and investors, building safety remains an important part of responsible property management. Strong safety systems can help protect lives, property and business operations.

Investigation Expected

Authorities are expected to investigate the reported explosion and fire at SPAR Calabar Mall. The investigation should help establish the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.

Further details are expected as emergency agencies and relevant authorities assess the affected facility.

The incident serves as a reminder that fire prevention and emergency preparedness remain important parts of managing commercial buildings. Strong safety measures can help reduce risks and protect people and property when emergencies occur.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intervened in a dispute involving the alleged unauthorised sale of a property belonging to late Cross River State governorship candidate and elder statesman, Chief Wilfred Oden Inah.

The intervention follows petitions from members of the deceased’s family over the alleged sale of the property located at No. 63 Ibom Layout, Calabar, which they insist was not approved by all beneficiaries.

EFCC Invites Eldest Son Over Property Sale

Sources said the EFCC invited the first son of the deceased, Mr. Maurice Inah, to explain the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

He was reportedly questioned over the sale of the property, which was allegedly transferred to Mr. Emmanuel Emele for about ₦100 million.

According to family sources, Maurice was later detained but has since failed to return for further questioning, reportedly citing health challenges as reason for his absence.

Family Dispute Over Alleged Unauthorized Sale

Members of the Inah family have accused Maurice of selling the property without collective consent, insisting that the transaction violated their late father’s wishes regarding the estate.

One of the sons, Mr. Ofem Inah, described the sale as unacceptable, claiming the property was significantly undervalued.

“Our father’s position on the property was clear… it was to remain in the family and was not to be sold,” he said.

He alleged that the property—comprising a block of four flats and surrounding land—was valued between ₦300 million and ₦400 million, making the reported sale price questionable.

‘We Want Justice’ — Family Demands Reversal

Another sibling, Mrs. Mildred Ikheloa (née Inah), called for justice, insisting that their father’s wishes must be respected.

She demanded the reversal of the transaction and refund of the buyer’s payment, stating that due process was not followed.

“The money paid should be refunded to the buyer, and the property returned to the family,” she said.

EFCC Yet to Issue Official Statement

When contacted, Mr. Maurice Inah neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, describing the matter as a family issue and promising to provide clarification later.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as investigations continue.

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At least 15 passengers have been reportedly abducted by gunmen along the Calabar–Oron waterway in Cross River State on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The victims were travelling from Calabar to Oron when armed men allegedly ambushed their ferry and took control of the vessel, before whisking away passengers to an unknown location.

Sources at the Safe Anchor Beach in Calabar said the attackers struck suddenly during the voyage, though the exact number of abducted passengers remains unconfirmed.

There are also concerns that some of the victims may have been students travelling to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, although this has not been officially verified.

A resident who spoke under anonymity described the incident as “chaotic and terrifying,” adding that passengers on the route now travel in fear due to repeated attacks.

The spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the incident did not occur within his jurisdiction, noting that the matter had been referred to the neighbouring Akwa Ibom State Police Command for confirmation and further action.

The Calabar–Oron waterway, which connects Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, has increasingly become a hotspot for maritime criminal activity, as travellers seek to avoid the deteriorating Calabar–Itu road.

Security analysts have raised concerns over the growing vulnerability of Nigeria’s inland waterways, calling for stronger naval patrols and coordinated inter-state security operations.

Authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the abducted passengers or issue details of any rescue operation at the time of filing this report.

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Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has inaugurated the State Building Planning and Development Control Taskforce, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting orderly urban development, enforcing building regulations, and ensuring safety standards across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, Governor Otu urged members of the taskforce to execute their duties with professionalism, fairness, and integrity, emphasizing that the team’s work is critical in preventing unapproved constructions and promoting sustainable urban planning.

“This task force is essential for curbing unauthorized buildings, enforcing planning laws, and protecting lives and property,” Governor Otu said. He also called for collaboration with relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments to ensure effective enforcement and sustained public awareness.

Dr. Bong Duke, CEO and Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, explained that the team was carefully selected to monitor and guide building development in both urban and rural areas, addressing the prevalence of indiscriminate construction, poor planning, and non-adherence to approved building designs.

Chairman of the taskforce, Akiba Ekpenyong, assured the government that the team is ready to diligently fulfill its mandate, supporting the administration’s vision for a safe, well-planned, and sustainable Cross River State.

The initiative aligns with Governor Otu’s broader commitment to urban renewal and enhancing safety standards in construction across the state. Residents and developers are urged to strictly adhere to approved building plans and planning regulations.

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