The Yobe State Government has highlighted various measures put in place to mitigate the impact of the 2025 flooding that displaced communities and destroyed building.
Goje Mohammed, Secretary Executive Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, while addressing newsmen on Monday in Damaturu, said the State Government had put up a robust readiness plan that aims to address, mitigate and reintegrate victims of the 2025 flooding.
He said following the flooding, the State Governor Mai Mala Buni had provided clear policy direction and demonstrated strong political will through timely resource mobilisation and ensuring that life-saving interventions are never delayed when emergencies strike.
He said “On August 15, a flash flood in Potiskum LGA affected 21 settlements across 5 wards, displacing 1,261 households (12,470 individuals). Within hours of the incidence, emergency measures were activated, including wet feeding for displaced families, temporary shelters, medical support, and rapid needs assessments. Even though 85% of houses were mud structures and heavily damaged, families quickly received relief supplies, healthcare, and reintegration assistance”
He further explained that on August 17, in Nangere LGA, following distress calls from Garin Kolo and Ajim communities, SEMA deployed field teams and volunteers to assist 550 households (2,937 individuals).
“Emergency measures included sandbagging and embankment construction, food aid, safe water provision, and sanitation kits to avert disease outbreaks.
“These responses send a clear message: under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State Government is proactive, coordinated, and people-centered in its disaster management approach, combining vision, preparedness, and swift action to safeguard lives and livelihoods”, he noted.
He however highlighted the roles of various partners Including federal agencies, ministries and departments and non governmental organization in managing the crises
“Together, we have carried out rapid assessments, mobilized resources, distributed life-saving items, and ensured disease prevention in affected communities. Our local authorities, traditional leaders, and faith-based groups have also stood firmly with us, ensuring interventions are inclusive, trusted, and community-owned,” he said
Highlighting the level of preparedness ahead of potential flooding, Goje said the State Government had invested in a comprehensive 2025 Flood Preparedness Plan informed by NiMet and NIHSA seasonal outlooks, and lessons from the devastating 2022–2024 floods.
“This plan targets 126,000 households (467,976 individuals) across high-risk LGAs, with contingency arrangements for 15,967 potentially displaced persons.”
According to him key features of the preparedness plan Includes early warning systems, community engagement, Infrastructure, resource prepositioning, among others.
