By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday brought relief to victims of devastating fire outbreaks in Agbokim and Karaboat communities, Cross River State, distributing 600 bags each of 25kg rice and garri, 100 bags of 25kg beans, 400 bags of cement, and 60 cartons each of seasoning cubes, salt, vegetable oil, and tomato paste.

The exercise, flagged off by NEMA’s Uyo Operations Office in Agbokim, Etung Local Government Area, followed a January 2025 blaze in Agbokim that destroyed properties worth millions of naira and displaced families, plus a similar incident in Karaboat.

NEMA acted on a distress call from Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), conducting an on-the-spot assessment on January 27, 2026, to gauge damage and needs.

Flagging off the distribution, NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by Head of Operations, Uyo Office, Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, sympathised with victims and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to swift response.

“This intervention forms part of NEMA’s continuous efforts to provide timely humanitarian assistance to persons and communities impacted by emergencies and disasters across the nation,” she said.

Cross River Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, commended the Federal Government and NEMA for the prompt action, appealing for sustained support to ease victims’ hardship.

A Beneficiary Mr Manyo Ayuk, speaking for others, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, NEMA, and state government.

“This support has brought hope to many families struggling to recover from these devastating fire incidents. We are sincerely grateful,” he said.

The event drew government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, and Nigerian Red Cross Society representatives.