By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Victims of recent fire disasters in Agbokim and Karaboat communities in Cross River State have received relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The intervention, carried out on Tuesday by NEMA’s Uyo Operations Office in Agbokim, Etung Local Government Area, featured the distribution of food items and building materials to affected residents.
Items distributed included 600 bags each of 25kg rice and garri, 100 bags of 25kg beans, 400 bags of cement, as well as 60 cartons each of seasoning cubes, salt, vegetable oil and tomato paste.
The relief followed the devastating January 19 inferno in Agbokim which destroyed houses and properties worth millions of naira.
NEMA had, on January 27, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities after receiving a distress report from the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, sympathised with victims and reassured them of the agency’s commitment to providing prompt humanitarian support to disaster-hit communities across the country.
Represented by the Head of Operations, NEMA Uyo Operations Office, Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, Umar described the intervention as part of ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable persons affected by emergencies and disasters.
Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, commended the Federal Government and NEMA for the swift response, while appealing for sustained support to cushion the hardship faced by affected residents.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Manyo Ayuk expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, NEMA and the Cross River State Government, describing the assistance as timely and impactful for families struggling to rebuild their lives.
The distribution exercise attracted government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies and members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
