Obubra Residents Call For Urgent Intervention As Windstorm Ravages Communities

The people of Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have called for urgent intervention after a very powerful windstorm struck many communities in the area, destroying several houses and rendering many homeless.

The storm, which occurred on Tuesday, 2nd April, 2024, left a footpath of destruction in Ofumbongha 1, Ofumbongha 2, Ofumbongha 3, Ofumbongha 4, Yala-Obubra, Osakan, Araragha and other communities in Ofumbongha/Yala ward and Daily Market, Mile 1, and Ogada 2 in Obubra Urban ward, during which more than 514 households were left homeless, with over 407 houses severely damaged or destroyed, including public facilities.

During a telephone interview, one of the leaders in the area, Hon. Solomon Ekam, revealed that the storm has also disrupted power supply in Obubra Urban and Ofumbongha/Yala axis, calling on relevant stakeholders to swing into action and provide relief materials for the affected communities as residents are spinning from the aftermath of the devastating occurrence.

According to Malachi Bassey, Central Youth President of Ofumbongha, this is not the first time such a catastrophe has struck the communities of Ofumbongha/Yala ward, as a similar incident happened 18 years ago, precisely in 2006. The recurrence of such a disaster highlights the vulnerability of the communities, calling for the urgent need for assistance.

In his post shared on social media, a resident, David Abam, wrote" Housing, Electricity, Business Premises, suffer massive destruction in Obubra as a stormy rainfall embarked on destruction spree last evening, bringing down PHCN Poles and wires, Roofs of Households, Economic trees and business premises. In uniform continuity, Poles dropped down from Goverment technical college staff quarters to Daily Market Obubra - landing on roadside shops which led to colossal damages. With Communities like Ogada2, Mile1, Daily market, and Ofumbongha being recorded as the most affected areas"

Speaking on the incident, the clan head of Ofumbongha, Chief Lawrence, appealed to the government, NGOs, private individuals, and relevant agencies to provide immediate aid to the displaced victims as many of the affected individuals are currently seeking refuge in public facilities, such as school classrooms, town halls, and health centers. He also called on the leaders of the various communities to collaborate efforts towards ensuring that their people are adequately settled for the destruction.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the incident, our correspondent reported that the level of destruction caused by the windstorm is vast, with roofs ripped off, houses flattened, and infrastructure damaged. Poles and wires have also been brought down, disrupting electricity supply to the area. Business premises too have suffered significant losses, exacerbating the economic impact on the LGA

In his reaction, the member representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, has assured residents of the affected communities of swift government intervention. He pledged to mobilize resources and coordinate relief efforts to support those affected.

The lawmaker, represented by his Media Aide, Eriacy Confidence Oba, who visited some of the communities affected by the storm, reiterated his commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of his constituents, emphasizing the Federal government's commitment to providing assistance in times of crisis.

Also, during his visit to the affected areas, Hon. Ovat Dickson Agbor, Member representing Obubra 1 state constituency, pledged to mobilise members of the House of Assembly and the government of Cross River state in addressing the immediate needs of the affected areas, while also signaling a commitment to long-term recovery and resilience-building initiatives.

As at the time of this report, it is being alleged that the Governor of Cross River State, HE Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, through Mr. Francis Ekpo, the Director General of the State Electrification Agency (SEA), has issued a directive for the urgent restoration of electricity in the affected areas.

Ekpo described the incident as "devastating" and affirming the government's commitment to addressing the crisis.

While it is worthwhile to acknowledge the government's interest and commitment to the course, the local residents of the affected communities expressed fear in the relief getting to the affected people as it has been, in most cases, politicised. They appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure politicians do not hijack the process, thereby subjecting the victims to more suffering.

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