NEMA Delivers Relief To Windstorm, Clash Victims In Cross River
Relief Reaches Troubled Communities
THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), through its Uyo Operations Office, has begun distributing relief materials to victims of recent windstorms and communal clashes in Cross River Central Senatorial District.
The exercise took place simultaneously in Obubra and Ikom Local Government Areas on Monday, a strategic decision taken in view of security concerns affecting parts of the district. The intervention was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, local government authorities, security agencies, and other community stakeholders.
Affected households, many of whom lost homes, farmlands, and personal property during the crises, gathered at designated centres to receive food and non-food items aimed at cushioning the immediate hardship caused by the disasters.
Call for Resilience and Peace
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed sympathy with the affected communities and urged beneficiaries to use the materials judiciously.
Represented by Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, Head of Operations, NEMA Uyo Office, Umar emphasised the importance of disaster risk reduction strategies and peaceful coexistence to prevent further crises.
“It is important that as communities, you promote dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful conflict resolution at all times,” she advised. She also urged community leaders to address grievances promptly, discourage misinformation, and foster unity to prevent tensions from escalating into violence.
The communal clashes had reportedly displaced several families, while windstorms damaged rooftops and destroyed properties across parts of the district.
Lawmaker Commends Intervention
The Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Eteng Williams, commended the Federal Government and NEMA for the prompt response.
Represented by his Senior Legislative Adviser, Mr. Emmanuel Elemi, the senator said the materials would provide much-needed relief to affected households struggling to recover from the twin disasters.
He assured constituents that efforts were ongoing to explore additional support mechanisms for rebuilding damaged homes and restoring livelihoods.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the timely intervention. Mrs. Ada Oyiem thanked NEMA and prayed for lasting peace among residents and indigenes of the affected communities.
Similarly, Mr. Okey Bartholomew acknowledged the gesture but appealed for further assistance, particularly for families whose properties were extensively damaged by windstorms.
Each distribution centre received 300 bags of rice, 300 bags of garri, 300 pieces of wax print, 300 pieces of brocade, 30 bags of iodised salt, and 30 cartons each of vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, and tomato paste.
For many families, the relief materials represent not just food and clothing, but a symbol of solidarity and hope as they begin the slow process of rebuilding their lives.
