A devastating rainstorm has destroyed properties worth billions of naira in the Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa Ibom State, leaving hundreds of local residents and returning students of the Federal Government College (FGC) stranded.
It was learnt several structures including classrooms, laboratory, e – library building, staff quarters, the vice principals’ offices as well as boys and girls hostels were seriously damaged, forcing the management of the unity college led by the principal, Jude Ezeugo, to stop parents from sending back other boarding students as schools resume for the third term.
However, the PTA chairman, Dr. E.E. Etim, who appealed to the state and federal government for a quick response to the emergency and full resumption, said only students in JSS 3 and SS3 who are currently writing terminal certificate examinations are to return until further notice.
Several residential homes and electricity installations, it was gathered, were also destroyed around the local government area.
However, following the disaster, the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appealed for calm, assuring of government’s intervention to assist the affected victims.
Consequently, the governor has drafted three senior government officials to assess the affected locations and the FGC at Ikot Ekpene.
The joint delegation was led by the Commissioners for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong; Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga. The governor directed them to work with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide immediate assistance.
Addressing journalists, the commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, who described the damage as “devastating and deeply troubling”, said 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.
In the same vein, the commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, appreciated the governor for his prompt intervention in issues affecting the well-being of the people.
He urged federal agencies including NEMA to expedite actions in providing succour to persons affected by the natural disaster, while the State government was also taking necessary measures to cushion the effects of the rainstorm on residents of the area.
Conducting the delegation round some of the affected areas, including public institutions, commercial buildings and residential structures, the chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, described the situation as pitiful, and pleaded with the state and federal authorities to come to their aid.
