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 Cross River State Government has unveiled plans to deliver 1,500 affordable housing units across the state, while urging housing corporations nationwide to adopt innovative and scalable models capable of addressing Nigeria’s growing housing deficit.

Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Beatrice Igwe, made the call on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu at the opening of a two-day national workshop organised by the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) in Calabar.

The workshop, themed “Affordable Housing Solutions for Low-Income Earners in Emerging Housing Markets,” brought together stakeholders to explore sustainable strategies for expanding access to affordable homes.

Igwe said Nigeria’s housing demand continues to outpace supply, particularly because conventional financing models remain inaccessible to many low-income earners.

She disclosed that the Cross River State Government is implementing an innovative Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model under Governor Otu’s People First agenda to accelerate housing delivery.

According to her, the state will officially break ground on a 500-unit Okuni Housing Estate in the Central Senatorial District on July 4, 2026. Similar projects are planned for the Northern and Southern senatorial districts, bringing the total number of proposed housing units to 1,500 statewide.

The commissioner also revealed that a separate 50-unit free housing project for indigent women has reached about 80 per cent completion.

She urged housing corporations to standardise building designs, embrace innovation and strengthen partnerships with institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Family Homes Funds Limited to improve access to affordable housing finance.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, Arc. Dennis Pau Ishaya said the Federal Government was implementing reforms to reposition the housing sector as a catalyst for economic growth, employment and social inclusion.

He said the Renewed Hope Housing Programme is currently delivering housing projects across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, with a focus on local building materials, improved mortgage access, urban renewal and increased private sector participation.

Earlier, President of the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria, ESV. Eno Obongha, described housing as a critical indicator of economic development and social stability.

He said Nigeria’s widening housing deficit requires innovative construction methods and financing solutions that can deliver affordable homes at the scale needed to meet the country’s rapidly growing population.

Obongha urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions on construction costs and focus on practical solutions that would make homeownership more accessible for low-income Nigerians.

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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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Residents of Efut Efio-Ene community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State have appealed to the government for urgent intervention over persistent flooding that has devastated homes, damaged infrastructure and threatened lives in the area.

The community attributed the recurring flood incidents to an open drainage channel that directs stormwater from different parts of Calabar metropolis into the area, resulting in widespread destruction of residential properties, access roads and public infrastructure.

Speaking in Calabar, the Clan Head of Efut Efio-Ene, His Royal Highness Muri Ekong Umo Ekpo II, described the situation as alarming, noting that residents have continued to suffer significant losses due to the flooding.

According to him, the floodwaters have destroyed household items and personal belongings, contaminated drinking water sources, increased health risks and disrupted movement within the community.

“We are facing serious challenges because all the water channelled from different parts of Calabar flows directly into our community. The flooding has destroyed houses and properties, contaminated our water sources and exposed residents to various health hazards,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the drainage system serving the area had not been properly cleared since the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, urging authorities to immediately desilt the drains before the peak of the rainy season.

He called on the federal and state governments, as well as emergency response agencies, to urgently intervene to prevent further destruction and possible loss of lives.

The Youth Leader of the community, Princewill Lawrence, warned that residents now live in fear as heavy rainfall could trigger more severe flooding, structural collapse and widespread damage to livelihoods.

“Residents are worried that increased rainfall in the coming weeks could lead to catastrophic flooding, destruction of property, collapse of weak structures and loss of lives,” he said.

Lawrence appealed for a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected areas and the implementation of sustainable flood-control measures, including proper drainage channels, retention systems and stormwater management infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Women Leader of the community, Obongawan Nanke Bassey, urged government authorities to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of residents before the situation worsens.

Reacting to the concerns, the Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Antigha Gill, said the government was aware of the problem and had already drawn the attention of relevant authorities to the situation.

Gill explained that the agency had previously communicated the matter to the state government, which subsequently directed the Ministry of Environment to take necessary action.

He added that the agency had received several letters from the community requesting intervention and assured residents that efforts were underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Calabar Urban Development Authority to address the flooding challenge.

The appeal comes as communities across Cross River State face increasing concerns over flooding risks during the peak rainy season, with residents calling for improved drainage infrastructure and proactive environmental management measures.

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The Cross River State Government has launched a series of projects and policy reforms aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening public service delivery.

Represented by Deputy Governor Peter Okey, Governor Otu performed the groundbreaking for 1,000 housing units under the People First Housing Scheme at Ikot Efiokon Etim in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The project is designed to address housing challenges faced by civil servants and improve their living conditions.

At the New Secretariat Complex in Calabar, the administration also flagged off the construction of a Civil Service Staff Club and Event Centre, expected to serve as a hub for recreation, networking, and engagement among public servants.

In a parallel development, the government unveiled the Cross River State Civil Service Manual and an official Civil Service Song at the State Library Complex. Officials say the manual will guide operations and discipline within the service, while the song is intended to strengthen unity and institutional identity.

Speaking during the events, Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and enhancing professionalism in governance. He noted that the combined focus on infrastructure and policy reform reflects a broader strategy to reposition the public service for improved performance.

He also urged civil servants to align with ongoing reforms by upgrading their skills and adapting to evolving service demands.

The programme featured a symposium on public sector transformation, with contributions from stakeholders including Winifred Oyo Ita, who emphasised innovation, integrity, and capacity development as pillars of a modern civil service. A book review session was delivered by Justice Ofem I. Ofem.

Head of Service, Orok Bassey Okon, described the initiatives as strategic steps toward building a more efficient and motivated workforce, expressing confidence in their long-term impact.

The day’s activities also included the Cross River Youth Unity and Assessment Programme, themed “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth Unity, Accountability and Representation,” where the governor encouraged young people to actively participate in governance.

Other top officials in attendance included Secretary to the State Government, Anthony Owan Enoh, alongside permanent secretaries, directors, and civil servants.

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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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The Federal Government has disbursed N1 billion in compensation to residents of Cross River State whose properties were affected by the ongoing construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

The announcement was made by Yinka Onafuye, Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, during an inspection of the Calabar–Itu Road and Sections 3A and 3B of the 750-kilometre highway, accompanied by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

“Payment of compensation is ongoing. Farmlands and buildings impacted by the project have been assessed, and beneficiaries are now receiving payments through the banks,” Onafuye said.

So far, between 700 and 1,000 residents from 12 communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas have benefited from the N1 billion payout, he added.

Minister Umahi highlighted key features of the highway, including relief stations, solar-powered lighting, and CCTV cameras, aimed at improving road safety and ensuring swift emergency response.

“The highway will incorporate essential facilities at strategic points to enhance travel safety and support security agencies,” he said, noting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to completing the project—a vision he initiated over 27 years ago.

The Managing Director of HITECH Africa Construction Company, Dany Aboud, assured that additional manpower and resources would be deployed to complete both sections within the 36-month contract period.

Senator Mpigi Barinada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, defended the project’s scale and cost, citing the quality of construction and extensive earthworks required due to swampy terrain.

Dr Alex Egbona, representing the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, said residents are impressed with the project’s progress and pledged maximum support to the government, adding that the highway is expected to stimulate significant development across the state.

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has begun deliberations on new measures to regulate housing rents and curb the excesses of property agents across the state, particularly in Calabar, where residents are grappling with soaring accommodation costs.

The discussion was prompted by a motion of urgent public importance from Davies Etta, member representing Abi Constituency, who decried what he described as unjustifiable and exploitative rent hikes driven by landlords and housing agents.

Etta noted that many agents have become “middlemen of hardship,” advising landlords to impose excessive rents even on dilapidated properties. He cited examples of self-contained apartments on Marian Road now costing as much as ₦1.5 million per year, while one-bedroom flats in Calabar South rent for between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In upscale areas such as State Housing and Parliamentary Extension, rents have reportedly surpassed ₦2 million.

He condemned the practice of demanding two years’ rent upfront and issuing sudden eviction notices, calling it “heartless and socially dangerous.” The lawmaker urged the House to pass legislation to regulate rent pricing, protect tenants’ rights, and mandate oversight by the state’s Ministry of Housing. He also advocated for reduced costs of locally produced building materials to make housing more affordable.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the motion, describing it as timely and people-focused. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to passing laws that ensure fairness between landlords and tenants.

“This Assembly belongs to the people,” Ayambem said. “We will continue to stand with them to promote balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across Cross River State.”

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Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has vowed to take decisive action to end the long-running clashes between the people of Biakpan in Biase Local Government Area and their neighbors in Etono 2, warning that the state will no longer tolerate bloodshed over land disputes.

Speaking in Calabar when he received a delegation from the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star led by Patriarch Bassey Imowo, the governor described the crisis as embarrassing and damaging to the image of the state. He warned that where disputes over land persist, government would step in and assume control of the contested areas to forestall further violence. “The issues here are very serious. We have stepped into the Biakpan–Etono communal war. I believe we can settle this issue because we have made it clear to all restive communities that where there is controversy over lands, government will only have to take over such lands. That will avert continual bloodshed,” Otu said.

The governor lamented that the recurring violence had disrupted Biakpan’s role as a major pilgrimage and tourism hub, attracting thousands of visitors annually. He added that arrests had already been made and assured that those found guilty would face the law to serve as a deterrent. “With eminent personalities in both communities, I’m surprised that such barbaric acts have persisted. The persistent violence has been very disturbing because it also hampers tourism, a key revenue source for the state. But I am happy with the efforts and intervention by His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu to bring the two communities together,” he added.

He blamed some of the escalation on lapses by officials who failed to act swiftly, noting that such negligence created room for the violence to grow. “My administration will not fold its arms and allow this to continue. We must end it once and for all,” he stressed.

Earlier, Patriarch Imowo praised the governor for his intervention but explained that the conflict had forced his organization to suspend pilgrimage activities in Biakpan, which normally attract thousands of religious tourists, scholars, and researchers. “Regrettably, the recent violent attacks and counter attacks on both communities has posed serious security threats and put on hold all our programmes in Biakpan and environs. There cannot be any form of development amidst such a dangerous situation. The religious tourists scheduled to pay homage to the birthplace of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu have been hampered, and this has slowed down economic benefits for the people,” Imowo said.

He appealed to the governor to prioritize restoring peace, stressing that only a stable atmosphere would encourage religious tourists, especially foreign nationals, to return. “It is when the atmosphere is peaceful that religious tourists will feel safe to resume regular visitations to Biakpan,” he added.

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