Governor Otu Offers Financial Relief to Those Affected by Calabar Flooding

n n

Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River State

n

By Emma Una

n

CALABAR — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has extended financial assistance to victims of last week’s devastating flood disaster in Calabar and its environs.

n

The torrential rainfall, which lasted for several days, triggered landslides and severe flooding that claimed lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

n

The governor said the intervention was a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to supporting victims of the disaster, providing relief and helping to reduce the hardship caused by the tragedy.

n

Among the beneficiaries were Mr. Kingsley Etim, who lost his four children in the landslide at Ikot Anwatim; Miss Sunday Jennifer, whose father died while attempting to rescue the children after floodwaters swept through their home; and Mrs. Chinonso Dominic, who lost her one-month-old baby to floodwaters at Elijah Henshaw Street, Calabar South.

n

Governor Otu expressed deep condolences to the affected families, acknowledging that no amount of financial assistance could replace the lives lost.

n

Represented by his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Akiba Ekpenyong, the governor said the support was aimed at providing immediate relief and assuring the victims that the government shares in their grief.

n

He added that the state government would continue to support victims of disasters while strengthening measures to protect lives and property across Cross River State.

n

“Government would continue to provide necessary support to victims of disasters while strengthening measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state,” he said.

n

Reacting to the gesture, Mr. Kingsley Etim, who lost his four children in the landslide, expressed appreciation to the governor for fulfilling his promise to support affected families.

n

“We thank the governor for remembering us in our time of grief. This financial assistance is a compassionate gesture that has given our family hope despite the painful loss,” he said.

n

Another victim, Mr. Dominic, husband of Mrs. Chinonso Dominic who lost their one-month-old baby to the flood, also commended Governor Otu for his kindness and concern following the tragic incident.

n

He appreciated the state government and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) for their support since the disaster occurred and prayed for continued guidance for the governor and all those involved in providing humanitarian assistance.

n n