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CALABAR – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Uyo Operations Office has commenced distribution of relief materials to victims of windstorm and communal clashes in Cross River Central Senatorial District.
The distribution exercise held simultaneously on Monday in Obubra and Ikom Local Government Areas over security concerns in parts of the district.
The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross, local government leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the distribution, Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, sympathised with affected communities and urged proper use of the items.
Represented by Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, Head of Operations, NEMA, Uyo Operation Office, Umar advised beneficiaries to adopt disaster risk reduction strategies to strengthen resilience and embrace peaceful coexistence.
“It is important that as communities, you promote dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful conflict resolution at all times.
“Also, the leaders must address grievances early, discourage misinformation, and encourage unity to prevent tensions from escalating into communal clashes,” she urged.
On his part, Sen. Eteng Williams, representing Cross River’s Central, Senatorial District commended the Federal Government and NEMA for the prompt intervention.
The senator, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Adviser, Mr Emmanuel Elemi, noted that the materials would bring relief to the impacted households.
Mrs Ada Oyiem, a beneficiary, appreciate NEMA for the support extended to the communities and prayed for peaceful coexistence among residents and indigenes of the communities.
Similarly, Mr Okey Bartholomew, another beneficiary commended the Federal Government for the gesture while appealing for more support especially for people whose properties were destroyed by windstorm.
Reports that items distributed to each of the centres included 300 bags of rice, 300 bags of “garri,” 300 wax print, 300 brocade, 30 bags of iodised salt, 30 cartons each of vegetable oil, seasoning cubes and tomato paste. (NAN)
