Two children in Mkpang Utong, a fishing community in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State were, weekend, reportedly roasted to death with several others sustaining severe burnt as fire razed the community.
Although the cause of the fire could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, Chief Ukutudo, the Chairman of Ibaka Development Organisation (IDO), lamented that the inferno wasted the lives and destroyed property worth several millions of naira.
Ukutudo said: “The fire incident destroyed many houses, outboard engines, fishing boats and other properties worth millions of naira were also lost to the inferno.
‘’We appeal to the State government and other emergency response agencies to come to the aid of thousands of mostly fishermen and farmers displaced by the inferno.’’
Chairman of Mbo Local Government Area, Asukwo Eyo, lamented that “The fire incident has brought untold hardship to our people and we call on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other emergency response agencies to assist the displaced people of Mkpang Utong.’’
He added, ‘’we also solicit the cooperation and assistance of the government, Federal and State emergency response organizations and public spirited individuals to donate relief materials to cushion the sufferings of the victims”.
However, Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel has consoled with victims, and prayed for the families of the dead children.
Represented by Mr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), himself from the Mbo Local Government, the governor pledged to rehabilitate the victims.
“What I have seen here is complete devastation. My people have lost their source of livelihoods and would have to start their lives from the scratch,” he noted and assured that government would provide the needed succour.
The governor, who donated some cash to the victims, advised them to always take precautionary measures to guard against such accident and other emergencies.
