A tragic incident unfolded along Bishiri Road in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State as fire wreaked havoc on nine yam farms, including nearby yam barns.
The calamity on January 22, 2024, has left the affected farmers in distress, grappling with the economic aftermath.
Heartbroken farmers are struggling to determine the cause of the fire that swiftly eradicated their investments.
One farmer, Stella James, expressed the magnitude of the loss, stating, “The entire investments of my elder sister have been wiped away within minutes. We don’t know what would have caused the fire, although this is the dry season. This has added to her troubles. She spent her time, energy, and resources to build the yam barns.”
In response to the crisis, James Anam, the Director General of SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency), urged fire victims and other natural disaster victims to inform his office for prompt response.
Meanwhile, Dr. Helen Isamoh-Egodo, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the state, extended sympathy to the affected farmers.
In a statement, she expressed understanding, stating, “I understand that these yam barns are not just a source of livelihood but also represent hard work, dedication, and hope for our people. It breaks my heart to see the fruits of your labour reduced to ashes in moments.”
Assuring support, she continued, “We have already mobilized a team of experts to assess the damage and provide immediate assistance to those affected. Our priority is ensuring you have the necessary resources to restart your yam cultivation and regain economic stability. We will work tirelessly to provide financial aid, agricultural inputs, and technical support to help you get back on your feet.”
