Cross River govt, Federal Fire Service condemn attack on firefighters in Calabar

The 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 by residents during a fire outbreak along Goldie Street, Calabar, describing the incident as criminal, dangerous and counterproductive.

The incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, when firefighters responding to a distress call at Goldie Street reportedly came under attack by a mob on arrival.

Several personnel sustained injuries, while the firefighting appliance was severely damaged, forcing the crew to withdraw as the fire continued to rage.

Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of fire outbreaks in Calabar metropolis and other parts of the state, while condemning in strong terms the assault on emergency responders.

“Violence has never solved any problem. When you attack what belongs to you, you are attacking yourself. A fire truck is not cheap, and destroying it deprives the entire community of protection in future emergencies,” he said.

The governor’s aide explained that while the state requires more fire trucks, personnel and equipment, the present administration inherited a severely neglected fire service sector and has embarked on massive reforms, including the renovation of fire service facilities, procurement of new fire trucks and plans to recruit additional firefighters.

According to him, two new fire trucks are already on ground, with one stationed at the Governor’s Office, while renovation of the fire service headquarters is over 60 per cent completed.

Akiba attributed the perceived delay in response at the Goldie Street incident largely to communication gaps rather than lack of equipment or manpower.

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“Firefighters cannot respond to what they are not aware of. There is a need for a clearly defined public emergency contact system that residents can easily access during emergencies,” he said.

He added that the state government had already set up a multi-agency disaster management committee involving the Fire Service, NEMA, SEMA, Red Cross, Police, Civil Defence, Health Ministry and traditional institutions to enhance rapid response to disasters across the state.

On compensation, Akiba disclosed that the government was currently gathering data on victims of recent fire outbreaks, with plans by Governor Bassey Otu to provide relief and support once assessments are completed across the three senatorial districts.

Meanwhile, the Federal Fire Service, in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services, DCF P.O. Abraham, also condemned the attack, describing it as a growing and alarming trend.

The Service stressed that firefighters do not cause emergencies but respond to them, warning that obstructing or assaulting emergency personnel only multiplies losses.

The FFS outlined several reasons why emergency response may sometimes appear delayed, including late reporting, poor access roads, traffic congestion, limited station coverage, inaccessible hydrants and operational requirements of firefighting equipment.

The statement emphasised that attacking firefighters and damaging fire appliances constitute serious criminal offenses under Nigerian law, including obstruction of emergency responders, assault on public officers, and willful destruction of government property.

“The fire is the enemy not the firefighter,” the statement read, urging communities to cooperate with emergency responders by reporting incidents early, providing accurate directions, clearing access routes and protecting firefighting crews.

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.

They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property while calling for improved public awareness, cooperation and communication to effectively address fire disasters across the state and the country at large.