Samuel Omotere
The National Emergency Management Agency has conducted an assessment of fire incidents that affected Agbokim and Karaboat communities in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State.
According to a Tuesday statement released on NEMA Uyo Facebook page, the assessment was carried out by officials of the NEMA Uyo Operations Office following a distress call received from the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency.
According to NEMA, the joint assessment visit took place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and involved officials from the Cross River State Government and other relevant agencies.
“The NEMA Uyo Operations Office received a distress call from CRSEMA of a fire incident that occurred in Agbokim and Karaboat communities, Etung LGA of Cross River State,” the agency said.
The assessment team was led by a Principal Relief Officer, Akpakpan Victor, and included representatives of the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof Anthony Owan-Enoh, the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Vice Chairman of Etung Local Government, and security agencies.
NEMA said the purpose of the visit was to determine the extent of damage caused by the fire outbreaks and identify the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected.
“The aim was to ascertain the extent of damage, identify the immediate humanitarian needs of affected persons, and provide an evidence-based basis for coordinated intervention and response,” the agency stated.
During the exercise, the joint team inspected affected areas, interacted with community leaders and households, and documented losses linked to the incidents.
Findings from the assessment showed that the fires destroyed residential buildings, household items, food supplies and sources of livelihood, resulting in the displacement of several families.
“The assessment indicates that the fire incidents led to the destruction of residential buildings, household items, food supplies, and means of livelihood, thereby displacing several families and increasing their vulnerability,” NEMA said, adding that no lives were lost in the incidents.
Members of the affected communities appealed to the Federal Government for assistance, particularly in the provision of relief materials.
“The members of the communities appealed to the Federal Government for relief assistance, including shelter materials, food and non-food items, and psychosocial support for affected persons,” the agency said.
NEMA added that the assessment also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among emergency response agencies and improved community awareness on fire safety.
“In the course of the assessment, emphasis was laid on the importance of strengthening inter-agency coordination, community sensitisation on fire safety, and improved local response capacity to mitigate future incidents,” the statement concluded.
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