The Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has announced that 2025 saw 47 recorded incidents of fire, flooding, and other disasters, impacting over 10,000 individuals both directly and indirectly.
Jerry Idahosa, the agency's executive secretary, made the disclosure during a stakeholder engagement in Benin on Tuesday, which was themed "Strengthening Disaster Management: Lessons from 2025, Vision 2026."
According to Idahosa, the reported incidents included 15 cases of fire outbreaks, 10 instances of flooding, 10 separate rainstorm and windstorm events, one incident of banditry or conflict, along with seven additional related emergencies throughout the state.
The engagement was organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with Edo SEMA.
“Overall, more than 10,000 people were affected, either directly or indirectly, by these disasters in 2025,” he stated.
Idahosa emphasized that the agency is transitioning its approach from reactive emergency responses to proactive disaster preparedness strategies.
“We are committed to transforming our focus to proactive preparedness, ensuring that Edo is equipped to handle potential disasters effectively,” Idahosa noted.
Additionally, Kenneth Ojudeire, the head of NEMA’s Benin Operations Office, stated that the purpose of the engagement was to comprehensively assess disaster management efforts undertaken in 2025.
“The main goal of this meeting is to analyze what strategies were successful, what failed, and what improvements can be made to address existing gaps,” said Ojudeire.
He underscored the importance of preparedness and collaboration among stakeholders in managing disasters effectively.
“Effective disaster management relies heavily on proactive measures and preparation, which is why we have gathered key stakeholders to brainstorm on improving our disaster management practices in the state,” he added.
Ojudeire highlighted the challenges faced in responding to incidents in distant communities and stressed the need for enhanced early warning systems and rapid response protocols.
“There are notable deficiencies, especially when disasters strike far from urban centers.
"We are actively working to address these issues so that prompt assistance can reach victims without delay,” he emphasized.
Moving forward, Ojudeire mentioned that both NEMA and Edo SEMA intend to bolster community engagement, enhance the dissemination of early warnings, boost resource mobilization efforts, and improve coordination among stakeholders in 2026.
At the event, Ronke Williams represented the Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea. She indicated that the meeting was aimed at reinforcing disaster management systems statewide.
Williams assured all stakeholders of a stronger collaboration among relevant agencies to enhance proactive measures, mitigate disaster risks, and ensure a more effective emergency response in the future.
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