Governor Bassey Otu has ordered immediate free medical treatment for victims of the recent gas explosion in Calabar, as the Cross River State Government moves to contain the aftermath of the disaster and support affected residents.
The governor gave the directive during an on-the-spot assessment of the explosion site, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and expressing concern over the scale of destruction to lives and property. He noted that the impact of the blast had left several residents injured while homes and businesses suffered extensive damage.
Otu raised serious concerns about the location of gas and fuel facilities within residential neighbourhoods, stressing the urgent need for stricter safety regulations to prevent similar incidents. He assured residents that the government would respond swiftly, particularly for those currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
He further pledged that beyond free medical care, the state would consider compensation for individuals and families who suffered losses. According to him, the priority is to help victims recover and return to normal life as quickly as possible.
“We will take care of them. We are providing free medical treatment for those affected and will also look into compensation to help them rebuild their lives,” the governor said.
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One of the victims, Mrs. Rosa Asuquo, recounted the chaos that followed the explosion, calling for urgent improvements in emergency response. She alleged that attempts to reach the fire service during the incident were unsuccessful, leaving residents to battle the inferno on their own.
She lamented that by the time she arrived at the scene, the damage had already been done, with properties destroyed and many injured. She appealed to the government to not only assist victims but also strengthen emergency response systems to prevent a repeat of such delays.
The explosion has renewed public concern over safety standards, emergency preparedness, and urban planning in densely populated areas of Calabar, as residents await further government action.
