September 10, (THEWILL) – The Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Etetim Onuk has expressed gratitude to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as well as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for their sustained effort towards alleviating the condition of those affected by communal crisis and other disasters in the council area and the country at large.
The chairman made the expression at the Council Secretariat, Mbak Atai, during the distribution of relief materials to some victims of the protracted communal war between the people of Oku Iboku in Itu and their neighbors in Ikot Offiong, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
He lauded the Akwa Ibom State Governor; Mr. Udom Emmanuel and his Deputy; Mr. Moses Ekpo for their determined and sustained efforts towards restoring peace in the area also commiserated with those affected by what he described as the “continuous and unprovoked attack” on the fishing communities in Oku Iboku Clan.
Onuk called for accelerated effort by the National Boundary Commission towards ensuring a complete cessation of the hostilities that has led to lost of many lives and destruction of properties worth millions of Naira.
He said the Local Government will continue to partner relevant arms agencies of Government to hasten the peace process in the area.
In his remark, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Mr. Moses Ekpo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, office of the Deputy Governor; Mr. Nkopuruk Ekaiko commended NEMA for the gesture and prompt response whenever they are called upon.
He however appealed for more items and the inclusion of building materials in subsequent relief exercises, stating that the State Government will continue to work towards restoring peace in the area.
Speaking, the South-South Coordinator, NEMA; Mr. Godwin Tepikor disclosed that after the physical assessment of the affected areas by the agency and subsequent submission of the report, the Federal Government approved the sharing of relief items to those affected by the conflicts.
He noted that the agency will continue to carry it’s core mandate and respond accordingly to emergencies.
The Clan Head of Oku Iboku; Etebom Ubong Okokon while expressing appreciation for the gesture, lamented the hardships the community has had to go through in the course of the perennial communal crisis, adding that the insecurity and growing fatality is agonizing.
Wife of the village head of Ikot Essien- Oku Iboku; Mrs. Mary Enwan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries was full of praises for NEMA, and government at all levels for coming to their aid, particularly at a time it was most needed. She appealed for continuous support from the government to ensure normalcy is restored to the area.
Items distributed included: Mattresses, rice, beans, garri, vegetable oil, canned tomatoes, seasoning cube, soap, mosquito nets among other essential commodities.
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