The Federal Fire Service has pointed to defective electrical setups, negligent management of cooking devices, unsafe storage of flammable goods, and left-open flames as principal triggers of avoidable fire disasters across neighbourhoods. Yakubu Samson Dungus, the Controller of the Taraba State Command of the Federal Fire Service, revealed this on Monday during the commencement of the 2026 National Fire Safety Week held at the state command headquarters in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State.
Carried out under the banner “Building a Fire Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time,” the programme underscored the importance of shared accountability and preemptive steps in halting fire tragedies before they occur. "Fire prevention should not be left to emergency responders alone, but requires the active participation of government, businesses, institutions, families and individuals," Dungus stressed.
What safety measures were recommended?
During his address, the state fire boss advocated for heightened public sensitization, prompt warning systems, and diligent safety habits to lower the frequency of fire emergencies within residential buildings, commercial offices, and public domains.
In a similar vein, the Taraba State Government reiterated its dedication to safeguarding citizens, assets, and the ecosystem through continuous public education, strategic partnerships, and robust mitigation strategies against domestic and commercial infernos. Speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon T Kataps, the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs and Special Services in the Office of the SSG, Mrs Christy Iliya, assured that the administration remains resolute in bolstering safety protocols throughout the region. She also praised both the federal and state fire agencies for their unwavering dedication to protecting lives and investments.
Endorsements from security agencies
Additionally, the General Officer Commanding the 10 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Nnebeife—who was represented by Major Oyom, the Acting Commanding Officer of the 10 Division Transport Battalion—commended the synergy between the firefighting bodies in securing the populace.
Additional stakeholders and dignitaries present at the ceremony committed their backing to ongoing safety campaigns, emphasizing the necessity for deeper institutional cooperation and community involvement in fostering secure, fire-proof environments throughout Taraba State.