The Cross River State Government has begun compiling data on victims of recent fire outbreaks across the state as part of plans to provide relief and assistance, even as it strongly condemned the attack on firefighters and fire service equipment during a recent inferno in Calabar.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba (Esq), disclosed this while reacting to public concerns over recurring fire incidents in Calabar metropolis and other parts of the state.
He said the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to supporting residents affected by disasters but stressed that such interventions must be guided by verified data. According to Akiba, the state has activated a multi-agency disaster management framework involving the Fire Service, Ministry of Humanitarian Services, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Red Cross, Police, Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to assess losses and coordinate response.
READ ALSO: JAMB announces 2026 UTME, DE forms sale, sets registration, examination dates
“His Excellency is conscious of the plight of victims of recent fire incidents. Data is currently being gathered across the state to ensure that any form of assistance is equitable and properly targeted,” he said, noting that the exercise would cover all senatorial districts, not only Calabar metropolis.
While assuring victims of government support, Akiba condemned the reported attack on firefighters and a fire truck during one of the recent incidents, describing the action as unfortunate and self-defeating
“Attacking firefighters who came to save lives and property is unacceptable. It discourages emergency responders and ultimately harms the same communities affected by disasters,” he said.
He explained that delays in fire response experienced in some cases were largely due to gaps in communication, not the absence of firefighting equipment or personnel. He maintained that the state has functional fire trucks, water, chemicals and trained firefighters, though more resources are needed to strengthen the service.
Akiba disclosed that the Otu administration inherited a neglected fire service sector but has embarked on extensive renovation of fire service facilities and procurement of equipment, including new fire trucks, as part of broader reforms in the security and emergency response architecture of the state.
He also called for improved public enlightenment and the establishment of a dedicated emergency distress call line to enable residents promptly alert fire service authorities during emergencies.
Reiterating government’s condemnation of violence, Akiba urged youths and residents to remain calm and cooperative during emergencies, warning that destruction of public assets would only set the state back and divert resources meant for development and disaster response.
He assured that the state government would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property, while working to strengthen disaster response and provide necessary support to victims of fire outbreaks.
