Jalingo – The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Echuseh Audu, has stepped up emergency response efforts across the State, combining timely interventions with longer-term strategies aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness.

In recent days, she coordinated on-the-ground assessments following a series of fire outbreaks in Jalingo metropolis.

Acting through senior officials, she deployed response teams to affected areas, including Jeka da Fari and Nana Aisha communities, where fires—reportedly triggered by electrical faults—razed homes and displaced several families.

During the visits, the SEMA officials reassured victims of government support, telling the affected residents, “We understand the pain and disruption these incidents have caused. The State government remains committed to providing relief and helping families rebuild their lives.”

The agency also responded to separate fire incidents at a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) filling station in the Roadblock area and at the Amana Fara’u Plastics warehouse in the Saurara axis of Jalingo.

Both incidents resulted in significant financial losses, prompting immediate assessments and the commencement of recovery plans.

She stressed the need for preventive action, particularly during the dry season saying, “We must prioritise safety at all levels. Residents and business owners should ensure proper electrical installations, install fire-fighting equipment, and strictly adhere to safety guidelines to prevent avoidable disasters.”

Apart from emergency interventions within Taraba, the SEMA boss has also advanced regional collaboration.

She recently joined Heads of emergency management agencies from across the North-East at a strategic meeting with the World Bank focused on improving disaster resilience.

Speaking on the outcome, she noted, “The challenges we face—flooding, drought, and fire outbreaks—require coordinated, data-driven responses. Strengthening early warning systems and institutional partnerships is critical to saving lives and livelihoods.”

The meeting examined disaster risk trends, gaps in response capacity, and opportunities to enhance data utilisation and inter-agency cooperation.

Stakeholders agreed on practical steps to bolster response frameworks and reduce vulnerability across the region.

Audu stressed Taraba’s participation reflects its commitment under Governor Kefas Agbu to build a more responsive emergency management system.

“Our goal is to protect communities, minimise losses, and ensure we are better prepared for future emergencies,” she added.

Through these combined efforts, SEMA continues to reinforce its role as an institution dedicated to safeguarding lives and strengthening resilience.