By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs for the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Wilson Ekpenyong, has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating landslide and heavy rainfall that affected parts of Calabar, particularly the Ikot Awatim community in Calabar Municipality.
In a statement issued to our reporter in Calabar by Comrade Saviour Asuquo, Ekpenyong condoled with the families of victims and described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy.
The disaster, which followed days of persistent rainfall, reportedly caused a fatal landslide that claimed the lives of five persons, including four siblings from the same family, while several others were displaced or injured.
Reacting to the incident, Rt. Hon. Ekpenyong said: “Our hearts bleed for the affected families and the entire Ikot Awatim community. Losing four children and another compatriot in a single day under such horrifying circumstances is an unbearable tragedy.
This office stands in complete solidarity with the victims.”
He commended the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as well as emergency response agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), for their swift response, assessment and ongoing relocation efforts.
However, with the rainy season intensifying, the Special Adviser urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent further loss of lives and property.
He advised residents living in high-risk areas such as hillsides, valleys and erosion-prone locations to relocate immediately, while displaced persons should report to temporary accommodation centres provided by the state government.
Ekpenyong also warned residents against dumping refuse in drainage channels, urging them to clear waterways to allow free flow of water.
He further advised the public to be alert to warning signs such as widening cracks in buildings, tilting trees and sudden collapse of retaining walls, and to report such developments promptly to relevant authorities.
The Special Adviser disclosed that his office was working with the State Ministry of Environment and humanitarian organisations to ensure that relief materials reach affected families.
He added that efforts were ongoing to secure permanent ecological and erosion control interventions across vulnerable communities in Cross River South.
Ekpenyong urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of one another as the state responds to the unfortunate incident.
