The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, on Thursday moved swiftly to assess the impact of a devastating fire outbreak that razed several shops around the popular Cyclist Park area of Obudu, assuring affected traders and business owners of government support as they begin the process of recovery.
Demonstrating the administration’s commitment to the welfare of residents, the Chairman, represented by the Secretary of Council, Mr. Emmanuel Aben, and accompanied by the Special Adviser on Revenue, Mr. Samson Adung, visited the scene shortly after the incident to evaluate the extent of the damage and interact with victims.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Undiandeye described the incident as both unfortunate and heartbreaking, noting that many of the affected traders rely on their businesses as their primary source of livelihood. He expressed concern over the magnitude of losses recorded and assured victims that the council would not abandon them in their time of need.
Preliminary reports indicate that several shops and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed by the inferno, although a comprehensive assessment is still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage.
The Chairman commended residents and emergency responders for their prompt intervention, which helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjoining buildings and businesses. He also expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the incident.
Dr. Undiandeye noted that the fire outbreak comes at a difficult period for many residents of the local government area who are still grappling with the effects of recent natural disasters, including the windstorm that ravaged communities in Utugwang such as Ukwutia, Nkerira and Ukpada, as well as flooding in Bebuasu and Igwo communities that destroyed farmlands and crops.
Despite these challenges, he assured affected residents that the Obudu Local Government Council remains committed to providing leadership and support during moments of crisis.
The Chairman disclosed that the council would continue to engage relevant state and federal emergency agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to explore possible relief measures and interventions for victims of the fire, flooding and windstorm disasters.
He encouraged those affected not to lose hope, assuring them that efforts were being intensified to attract the necessary assistance needed to help them rebuild their businesses, livelihoods and communities.
Dr. Undiandeye also urged traders and business operators across the local government area to adhere strictly to safety measures and remain vigilant in order to prevent future fire outbreaks and related emergencies.
Reaffirming the people-centred philosophy of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s administration, the Chairman assured residents that government at all levels would continue to prioritize their welfare and wellbeing, particularly during periods of hardship, while working tirelessly to ensure that affected victims receive the support required to recover from their losses.
One of the victims, Mrs. Sylvia Ukwayi, lamented the destruction caused by the fire, saying years of hard work and investment had been wiped out within a short period.
“Everything I worked for over the years was destroyed. I could not save anything from the shop. It is a painful loss for me and my family,” she said.
By Kingsley Agim
