No fewer than 15 houses were on Tuesday razed by fire in Agbokim Waterfall village in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River.
Among the affected buildings was the residence of the council’s Vice Chairman, as the fire was reportedly triggered by Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stored in one of the houses.
An eyewitness, Mr. John Agbor, said a leakage from one of the drums of PMS spilled into a nearby fire, sparking the inferno that spread through the community.
According to him, “It was hell of a fire, and the whole community was covered with fear as the fire spread and thick smoke billowed into the sky.
“The worst is that there is no fire service close, and we were all left to our fate to bring the fire under control, but by then the damage had been done,” Agbor said.
Agbor said the PMS was meant for transit to Cameroon from Agbokim.
Contacted, Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Dennis Ajom, who confirmed the incident, said he had mobilised saying officers ti the scene of incident.
Contacted, the Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Dennis Ajom, confirmed the incident, saying he had mobilised officers to the scene.
“I am aware. I directed officers from our Ikom office to move there, and I am awaiting a detailed report from them,” he stated
