A late-night fire has gutted a popular timber market in Calabar, a key hub for timber trade in the state capital.
Traders estimate losses at over ₦500 million, with hundreds of shops and timber goods completely destroyed.
The fire reportedly broke out on Friday evening after most traders had closed for the day.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and as of the time of reporting, no fire service unit had responded to the incident.
Eyewitnesses said many shop owners rushed back to the market in a desperate attempt to salvage whatever they could, but most structures had already been consumed by the flames.
Authorities, including the police and emergency agencies, are yet to issue any official statement regarding the incident.