The Cross River State Government has launched an effort to compile data on individuals affected by recent fire outbreaks throughout the state, aiming to deliver targeted relief and assistance.
The announcement comes alongside a strong condemnation of a reported attack on firefighters and their equipment during a recent inferno in the state capital, Calabar.
Ekpenyong Akiba, Esq., the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, shared these developments in response to growing public unease about the frequent fire incidents plaguing Calabar and other areas of the state.
Akiba emphasized that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is steadfast in its commitment to aiding disaster-stricken residents, but stressed that any support must be based on accurate, verified information to ensure fairness.
To this end, the state has mobilized a collaborative disaster management system involving multiple agencies, including the Fire Service, Ministry of Humanitarian Services, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Red Cross, Police, Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Health, and additional stakeholders. This framework is designed to evaluate damages and streamline response efforts.
“His Excellency is fully aware of the hardships faced by those impacted by these recent fires,” Akiba stated. “We’re actively collecting data from across the state to make sure any aid is distributed equitably and reaches those who need it most.” He added that the initiative will span all senatorial districts, extending beyond just the Calabar metropolitan area.
While pledging ongoing government backing for the victims, Akiba strongly criticized the assault on firefighters and a fire truck that occurred amid one of the incidents, calling it “unfortunate and self-defeating.”
“Assaulting the very people who rush in to protect lives and property is utterly unacceptable,” he said. “It demoralizes our emergency teams and ends up hurting the communities they’re trying to help.”
Akiba attributed some response delays to shortcomings in communication rather than a shortage of firefighting resources or staff. He affirmed that the state maintains operational fire trucks, ample water supplies, chemicals, and skilled personnel, though he acknowledged the need for further enhancements to bolster the service.
The adviser noted that the Otu administration took over a fire service sector that had been largely overlooked by previous governments. In response, it has initiated major renovations of fire stations and is acquiring new equipment, such as additional fire trucks, as components of wider reforms to improve the state’s security and emergency infrastructure.
Akiba also advocated for greater public awareness campaigns and the creation of a specialized emergency hotline to allow residents to quickly notify fire authorities during crises.
Reaffirming the government’s stance against violence, he appealed to young people and the broader community to stay composed and supportive in emergency situations. He cautioned that vandalizing public property only hinders progress, siphoning off funds intended for development and disaster aid.
Akiba assured residents that the state government remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and assets, while enhancing its disaster preparedness and extending essential aid to those affected by the fires.
