Victims of the devastating fire disaster that affected Agborkim Karaboot in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State have received relief materials and food items through a joint intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA).
The distribution exercise, which took place on May 10, 2026, also extended support to vulnerable members of the community affected by the incident.
The fire disaster, which occurred last year, destroyed several houses and displaced many residents, leaving affected families in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, who is an indigene of the community. Also present were the Director General of CR-SEMA, Mr. Antigha Edem Gill, and the Head of Operations for Akwa Ibom and Cross River States at NEMA, Mrs. Aisueni Mmandu.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Director General, CR-SEMA, Mr. Antigha Edem Gill reiterated the commitment of the Cross River State Government to supporting communities affected by disasters across the state.
He noted that the intervention was aimed at cushioning the hardship faced by victims and restoring hope to affected families.
The CR-SEMA Director General urged residents to remain united and continue to support one another, while also emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and safety consciousness within communities.
Also speaking on behalf of NEMA, Mrs. Aisueni Mmandu stated that the intervention reflects the strong collaboration between NEMA and CR-SEMA in responding to humanitarian situations in Cross River State. She explained that the relief materials were approved following assessments conducted by both agencies after the fire incident in the community.
Mrs. Mmandu encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the items distributed and assured them of the Federal Government’s continued support for disaster-affected communities.
On his part, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh commended the intervention efforts of NEMA and CR-SEMA, noting that the support would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of affected residents.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal and State Governments for responding to the needs of the people and identifying with the community during its difficult period.
Some beneficiaries who spoke during the exercise expressed gratitude to the government and emergency management agencies for the timely intervention.
Mr. John Asuquo described the distribution as a huge relief to many affected families, noting that the assistance would help cushion the hardship caused by the disaster. Another beneficiary, Mr. Ndifon Etim, thanked the agencies for remembering the people of Agborkim and prayed for continued blessings upon the government and partners involved in the intervention.
Mrs. Maria Takim also appreciated the gesture, stating that many families lost valuable property during the fire incident and were grateful for the support received. Similarly, Mr. Assam Ayuk commended the collaborative efforts of NEMA and CR-SEMA, describing the intervention as timely and impactful for vulnerable members of the community.
The distribution exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by government and humanitarian agencies to provide relief and support to disaster-affected communities across Cross River State.
By David Asu
