The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has conducted a joint disaster assessment in parts of Cross River North to determine the extent of damage caused by windstorms, flooding and gully erosion, as affected communities appeal for urgent government intervention.
The assessment team visited Itega Ekpudu in Yala Local Government Area and Ishibori in Ogoja Local Government Area, where residents reported damage to homes, farmlands and other community assets, raising concerns over the safety and livelihoods of those affected.
The exercise commenced at Itega Ekpudu, where the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Adoga Ipuole, before proceeding to inspect areas affected by a windstorm.
Speaking during the visit, the community’s youth leader, Mr. Anthony Ogar, described the hardship confronting residents, noting that some families had lost their homes and were forced to seek temporary accommodation with other households.
Ogar commended the assessment team for visiting the community and appealed for assistance to enable affected residents to recover from their losses, rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods.
Responding, the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, conveyed the goodwill of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu to the affected residents and assured them that the team would document the damage and take their reported needs into consideration in determining appropriate interventions.
The delegation subsequently proceeded to Ishibori in Ogoja Local Government Area, where it assessed a severe gully erosion site that residents said had become a major threat to lives and property, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
At the site, the team observed the erosion channel as the community’s youth leader, Mr. Raphael Akida, recounted the devastating effects of the menace, including reports of children being swept away by floodwaters.
Akida appealed to the state and federal governments, as well as relevant emergency management agencies, to urgently intervene to prevent further loss of lives and protect the community from the growing threat.
The delegation also met with the traditional ruler of Ishibori, His Royal Highness Ntol Amah Mgbeje III, who joined community members in receiving the team and drawing attention to the challenges posed by the erosion.
The Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Christopher Agbeh, who was present during the assessment, also called on the state and federal governments to intervene, explaining that the scale of the problem had exceeded the capacity of the local government council to address.
Agbeh stressed the need for support from the higher tiers of government to tackle the erosion menace and safeguard lives and property in the affected community.
The NEMA Acting Head of Operations for Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Mr. Austin Awoji, and representatives of the Nigerian Red Cross Society also participated in the exercise, documenting the reported impact of the disasters and highlighting the need for appropriate follow-up action.
The joint assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of the damage and humanitarian needs in the affected communities, helping the relevant authorities determine appropriate responses to the reported emergencies.
By David Asu
