Yobe SEMA showcases plan to protect 468,000 residents from flooding

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has launched a comprehensive plan to protect an estimated 126,000 households (467,976 individuals) from seasonal flooding, following recent flash floods that displaced thousands.
Dr. Mohammad Goje, Executive Secretary of the Agency (SEMA), unveiled the 2025 Flood Preparedness Plan at a press briefing on Monday, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital.
He said the strategy is built on early warnings, community engagement, and pre-positioned resources to mitigate what remains a major threat to lives and livelihoods.
The announcement comes in the wake of recent flooding incidents in Potiskum local government and other places in the state.
Dr. Goje reported that “a flash flood on August 15 in Potiskum LGA displaced 1,261 households across 21 settlements. Just two days later, another 550 households were affected in Nangere LGA.”
He said SEMA responded within hours both times, providing emergency shelter, food, healthcare, and mitigation materials.
“These swift interventions show that Yobe State is proactive, coordinated, and people-centered in its disaster management approach,” He stated.
The multi-faceted plan includes a real-time river monitoring and digital alerts, deployment of 178 volunteers across 10 high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Others are stockpiling sandbags, food, shelter materials, and hygiene kits, a “Kick Flood” campaign using community soccer events to spread information and identifying flood-prone areas and strengthening shelters.
Dr. Goje commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for his proactive leadership and timely resource mobilization.
He also acknowledged the critical support from partners including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), Save the Children, and the Nigerian Red Cross.
“This is a collective responsibility. By standing united and pooling resources, we can save lives, protect livelihoods, and build resilient communities.”