NEMA provides assistance to victims of the Cross River fire

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) delivered relief supplies and construction items to residents affected by recent fire outbreaks in the Agbokim and Karaboat communities of Cross River.

PUNCH Online reported a massive fire in Agbokim in August 2025 that destroyed property valued at millions of naira.

In response, NEMA conducted an on‑site assessment of Agbokim and Karaboat on 27 January 2026 after receiving a distress call from the Cross River Emergency Management Agency.

During the distribution launch on Tuesday, NEMA Director General Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, Head of Operations at the NEMA Uyo Office, expressed sympathy for the victims and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to disaster‑affected communities nationwide.

She said, “We are here to sympathise with the victims and to assure you of our deep commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected communities not just in Cross River, but nationwide.”

She added that the aid forms part of the agency’s ongoing effort to support vulnerable individuals and communities impacted by emergencies and disasters.

“This intervention forms part of the agency’s continuous efforts to support vulnerable persons and communities impacted by emergencies and disasters,” she said.

The delegation handed out 600 bags of 25 kg rice and “garri,” 100 bags of 25 kg beans, 400 bags of cement, and 60 cartons each of seasoning, salt, vegetable oil and tomato paste.

Secretary to the Government of Cross River, Prof Anthony Owan‑Enoh, praised the Federal Government and NEMA for their swift response.

Owan‑Enoh also called for continued support to alleviate the hardships faced by residents of the fire‑affected communities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Manyo Ayuk thanked the Federal Government, NEMA and the Cross River Government for the timely assistance.

“This relief support is timely and impactful for many of the families here struggling to recover from the devastating fire incidents, and so, we are grateful,” he added.