The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Uyo Operations Office, has commenced the distribution of relief materials to victims of windstorms and communal clashes in Cross River Central Senatorial District.

The distribution exercise, held simultaneously on Monday in Obubra and Ikom Local Government Areas, was 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, Zubaida Umar, the director-general of NEMA, sympathised with affected communities and urged proper use of the items.

Represented by Mmandu Aisueni, NEMA’s head of operations in Uyo, Ms 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, Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, commended the federal government and NEMA for the prompt intervention.
The senator, represented by his senior legislative adviser, Emmanuel Elemi, noted that the materials would bring relief to the impacted households.

Ada Oyiem, a beneficiary, appreciated NEMA for the support extended to the communities and prayed for peaceful coexistence among residents and indigenes.
Similarly, Okey Bartholomew, another beneficiary, commended the federal government for the gesture while appealing for more support, especially for people whose properties were destroyed by a windstorm.

Items distributed to each centre included 300 bags of rice, 300 bags of “garri,” 300 wax prints, 300 brocadies, 30 bags of iodised salt, and 30 cartons each of vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, and tomato paste.
(NAN)