SDF Chairman visits, condoles with victims of Likomba fire disaster.

The visit provided victims an opportunity to present their worries and fears to the SDF chieftain. In Likomba, the victims explained that they lost almost everything. 

Fonyonga Josephine, explained how the tragedy unfolded to the October 12 presidential candidate.  

"...I was in the house…expecting to buy drinks when I heard a loud sound and we just started running away from the house. Later, I saw my house went up in flames. I had a bar, my neighbours had bars with imported items, a saloon, ice screen machines and other people with petit businesses around the premises," she recounted.

She added that together with her neighbours, they had lost everything. However, she expressed joy that the SDF took out time to visit and mourn with them. 

" I am very happy that the Chairman is here today to condole with us. He promised to work to ensure that we have justice," the victim continued.

Another victim, Sanga Standley, who lost enormously during the disaster, expressed his desire to see that government swiftly support them to rebuild their lives. 

“I just arrived from Germany with items for sale just to see my investment go down the drain in the fire disaster,” he regretted.

In Mutengene, Hon Osih visited the family of Yatah Zitah and Ejike Donatus who lost three of their children during the inferno. 

His trip also took him to the Baptist Hospital Mutengene where some of the victims are hospitalised. 

The chief medical officer explained that six victims were admitted to the hospital after the accident. Two have died, one discharged while three are still responding to treatment at the facility.

After visiting the victims in the different areas, the SDF Chairman said it was crucial to comfort victims after such a tragedy. He highlighted the need to listen to victims. 

"Nobody listens to victims, but we need to listen to them, stand strong with them and make sure they are listened to" he said.

The politician said he was "…extremely saddened by what I saw…we need to make sure as a nation that we step up…we need to move rapidly to take care of the families of all the diseased, those still in hospital, and especially those who have lost tremendous material…". 

He gave the victims financial support to help in clearing bills in hospital or to buy food and water for sustenance. 

SDF South West Regional Chairman, Chief Kona John Makia; the Divisional Coordinator for Fako, Hon Fritz Etoke; and other key members of the party in the region accompanied the SDF National Chairman during the tour.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3656 of Monday December 15, 2025