Gov Otu Pledges Stronger Flood Mitigation After Calabar Disaster Kills Five

CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – Governor Bassey Edet Otu has pledged to strengthen flood mitigation and emergency response systems in Cross River State following a devastating flood-induced landslide and building collapse in Calabar that claimed five lives, including four children from the same family.

The governor made the pledge after visiting victims of the disaster, describing the scale of destruction and the loss of lives as deeply heartbreaking.

“Today, I visited victims of the recent flood disaster in Calabar, and my heart was deeply burdened by the magnitude of the devastation and the tragic loss of lives,” Otu said.

The disaster occurred at Ikot Anwatim, Ward 7 in Calabar Municipality, where two buildings collapsed following persistent rainfall on Friday night. The incident reportedly happened around 9:30 p.m., destroying property and trapping occupants beneath the rubble.

According to a report released by the Department of Information of the Calabar Municipal Government, the Chairman of Calabar Municipality, James Anam, rushed to the scene in the early hours of Saturday after receiving a distress call and conducted an on-the-spot assessment alongside officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross.

The assessment revealed that four children aged between six and 12 years from one household died in the collapse, while another adult from a neighbouring building also lost his life. The adult victim’s body had been deposited at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital mortuary before the inspection.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Governor Otu acknowledged that no words could adequately ease their grief.

“No words can truly compensate for the precious lives we have lost, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to every family affected by this unfortunate tragedy,” the governor said.

He assured residents that the state government would take decisive steps to minimise the risk of similar disasters, saying efforts would focus on strengthening flood mitigation measures and emergency response systems.

“As a government, we remain committed to taking decisive and proactive measures to reduce the risk of such disasters and to strengthen our flood mitigation and emergency response systems,” he said.

The governor added: “While we cannot undo the pain of this moment, we can and we will do everything within our power to prevent a recurrence.”

Otu also reassured affected residents that the government would continue to stand by them through the recovery process.

“To every affected resident, please know that you are not alone. Your government stands with you and will continue to provide the necessary support as we work together to rebuild lives, restore hope, and implement responsible, long-term solutions that will better protect our communities from future disasters,” he said.

During the emergency visit, Anam met with the community chief, youth leaders and other stakeholders, who recounted how the tragedy unfolded and appealed for urgent government intervention to assist affected families and survivors.

The council chairman sympathised with the victims’ families and assured them of immediate palliative support.

He also directed residents living around the affected area to vacate vulnerable structures immediately to prevent further casualties, warning that continued rainfall could trigger additional building collapses.

Anam further appealed to the Cross River State Government through the Director-General of SEMA for urgent intervention, while urging residents to remain calm and avoid panic.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of citizens and promised to return to the community to monitor ongoing response efforts.

The governor concluded his message by assuring residents that the government would remain steadfast in supporting affected families and implementing long-term measures aimed at preventing future flood disasters.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with every family impacted. Together, we will overcome,” Otu said.