Uko Okon
The Akwa Ibom State government has assured the victims of a rainstorm in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area that it will intervene urgently.
It was gathered that a rainstorm struck parts of Ikot Ekpene over the weekend, destroying some buildings in the area.
The State government on Sunday sent a delegation to visit the area and ascertain the level of damage done by the rainstorm
Members of the delegation include Commissioners for Environment, Mr Nsikak Ekong, Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah and Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga.
Addressing the press, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ibanga, described the damage as devastating and deeply troubling, adding that the team would report back to the Governor for necessary action.
She assured residents of a thorough documentation of the damages which would be forwarded to appropriate quarters, hinting that efforts were underway to facilitate relief and rehabilitation measures.
The Commissioner for Information, Umanah, appreciated the Governor for his prompt intervention in issues affecting the well-being of the people.
He urged Federal agencies of government including NEMA to expedite actions in providing succour to persons affected by the natural disaster.
According to him, “the State government is taking necessary measures to cushion the effects of the rainstorm on residents of the area”.
Also in the delegation were representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.
Conducting the delegation around some of the affected areas, including public institutions, commercial buildings, and residential structures, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government, Mr Aniefiok Nkom, described the situation as pitiful and pleaded with the State and federal authorities to come to their aid.
Places visited include, Aya road, where electric poles and cables had fallen, Ikpong road in Uruk uso, Mt. Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, Health Centre in Uruk Uso, where the roof were blown off by the rainstorm, Ikot Ekpene -Abak road, the Community of Christ Church in Utu Ikpe which had parts of its building pulled down by the devastating rainstorm.
Others facilities touched include, a market in Uruk uso, the Federal Government College in Ikot Ekpene, where the Boys and Girls Hostel, classroom blocks, water facility, ICT facility, Staff quarters and several other buildings in the school compound have been seriously affected.
Principal of the Federal Government College, Ezeogu Jude, who conducted the delegation round facilities destroyed called for urgent intervention to ensure safety of the students.
Also in the State government delegation were the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Joseph Esidem that of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan.
