The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have commenced the distribution of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The IDPs, who are from Belegete, a border community in Obanliku Local Government Area, were chased out of the village sequel to an attack by the Republic of Cameroon’s Ambazonian separatist group a few months ago.
Performing the official flag off ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Peter Odey reiterated the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu to tackling challenges affecting the peaceful coexistence of citizens.
Odey, who underscored the importance of the government’s role in ensuring the welfare of its citizens, reassured them that; ‘The administration of Governor Bassey Otu would continue to address humanitarian issues and seek lasting solutions to problems facing internally displaced persons.’
The Deputy Governor charged the two agencies to ensure that the relief materials reach those d
irectly affected as well as ensure the items effectively serve to alleviate the hardships faced by the displaced citizens.
Odey, who was represented by his Head of Personal Staff, Chris Ojikpon, appreciated security agencies for maintaining peace and stability in the area and assured them of the state government’s continued support to enable the displaced citizens to return home safely.
Equitable Distribution
Also speaking, the Director General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. James Anam commended the Belegete community for exercising patience and their peaceful conduct after what he described as ‘A horrific attack on them by Ambazonian separatists, which has now forced them to seek shelter in other villages.’
Anam expressed appreciation to the Red Cross Society of Nigeria for assisting the state government assess the damage caused by the attacks, lauding NEMA and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) ‘For their collaborative efforts in providing food, non-food items and
logistical support as part of the relief measures.’
He explained that a five-man committee led by the Head of the Obanliku local government administration, Mrs. Mary Ebun to those affected, urging the committee ‘To be just, fair and equitable in sharing the items to deserving beneficiaries irrespective of political party affiliation.’
Responding to the gesture, the leader of the team, Mrs. Ebun and some representatives of the community expressed gratitude to the Nigerian and Cross River State governments and partners for their concern, compassion and commitment to alleviating the sufferings of the displaced citizens.
They assured them that the relief material would be distributed equitably amongst the internally displaced people.
Items to be distributed include food and non-food items such as cash, mattresses, bags of rice, beans, clothing for women, men and children, detergents, stoves and toiletries.
Source: Voice of Nigeria