The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has disclosed that the state recorded 47 incidents of fire, flooding, and other disasters in 2025, affecting more than 10,000 residents either directly or indirectly.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Jerry Idahosa, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Benin City during a stakeholders’ engagement themed: “Strengthening Disaster Management: Lessons from 2025, Vision 2026.”
The engagement was organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Providing a breakdown of the incidents, Idahosa said the disasters included 15 fire outbreaks, 10 flooding cases, 10 rainstorm and windstorm incidents, one case of banditry or conflict, and seven other related emergencies recorded across the state.
“In total, over 10,000 people were affected either directly or indirectly by these disasters in 2025,” he said.
He explained that the agency is now repositioning its operational strategy to prioritise preparedness rather than mere response.
“We are committed to moving from reactive emergency response to proactive preparedness, ensuring that Edo is not only ready for disasters but resilient against them,” Idahosa said.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of NEMA’s Benin Operations Office, Kenneth Ojudeire, stated that the engagement was convened to critically assess disaster management efforts in 2025 and chart a stronger path forward.
“The essence of this meeting is to look at what worked, what did not work and what can be done to improve and bridge identified gaps,” Ojudeire said.
He stressed that effective disaster management depends on preparedness and robust collaboration among stakeholders.
“Disaster management is about being proactive and prepared. That is why critical stakeholders are brought together to brainstorm on how to improve effective management of disasters in the state,” he said.
Ojudeire further identified operational challenges, particularly in responding to incidents occurring in remote communities, and underscored the need to strengthen early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms.
“There are areas of shortcomings, especially when disasters occur far from the city centre.
“These are the gaps we are working to bridge, so that early response can reach victims on time,” he added.
According to him, both NEMA and Edo SEMA will intensify community engagement efforts, improve early warning dissemination, enhance resource mobilisation, and ensure stronger coordination among stakeholders in 2026.
Representing the Edo State Commissioner for the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, Ronke Williams said the meeting was aimed at strengthening disaster management systems across the state.
She assured stakeholders of improved collaboration among relevant agencies to promote proactive preparedness, reduce disaster risks, and ensure more effective emergency response going forward.
