The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, has expressed deep sympathy to traders and business owners affected by the fire outbreak that destroyed several shops around the Cyclist Park area of Obudu on Thursday, assuring them of government support.
Represented by the Secretary of Council, Mr. Emmanuel Aben, alongside the Special Adviser on Revenue, Mr. Samson Adung, the Chairman visited the scene of the incident on Thursday to assess the extent of the damage and interact with victims whose businesses were affected by the inferno.
Describing the incident as unfortunate and heartbreaking, Dr. Undiandeye noted that many of the affected traders depend on their businesses as their primary source of livelihood, making the losses particularly painful. Preliminary reports indicate that several shops and goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, although the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
One of the victims, Mrs. Sylvia Ukwayi, recounted the devastating impact of the fire on her business, saying, “Everything I worked for over the years was destroyed. I could not save anything from the shop. It is a painful loss for me and my family.”
The Chairman commended residents and emergency responders for their swift intervention, which helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings and businesses. He also expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the incident.
Dr. Undiandeye observed that the fire outbreak comes at a challenging time for many residents who are still recovering from recent disasters across the local government area, including the windstorm that affected communities in Utugwang such as Ukwutia, Nkerira and Ukpada, as well as flooding in Bebuasu and Igwo communities that destroyed farmlands and crops.
He assured not only the affected traders but also residents impacted by the recent windstorm and flooding that the Obudu Local Government Council would continue to engage relevant state and federal emergency agencies, including SEMA and NEMA, to explore possible relief and support measures for all victims.
The Chairman encouraged those affected not to lose hope and urged traders and business operators across the local government area to adhere to safety precautions and remain vigilant in order to prevent future fire incidents.
Dr. Undiandeye reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to the welfare and wellbeing of citizens, assuring victims of the council’s continued support as they work to rebuild their businesses, livelihoods and communities.
