Gombe: NEMA, CDS Group Train Tumfure Traders On Flood, Fire Risks

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe Operations Office, in collaboration with the NEMA Community Development Service (CDS) Group, has sensitised traders and other market users at Tumfure Market, Gombe State, on measures to prevent and mitigate flood, fire and other disaster risks.

The sensitisation exercise, conducted on Thursday, 13 August 2026, focused on strengthening community awareness, preparedness and early action to reduce the impact of disasters within the market and surrounding communities.

During the engagement, the team educated traders on the causes and dangers of flooding, with particular emphasis on indiscriminate waste disposal, blocked drainage channels and obstruction of waterways. Participants were urged to keep their surroundings clean and ensure that drainage channels remain free from refuse to facilitate the free flow of rainwater.

The team also addressed fire prevention and safety, advising traders to avoid overloading electrical sockets, properly handle electrical appliances and inflammable materials, and promptly report faulty electrical connections. They were further encouraged to provide and maintain basic firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, where necessary.

On public health and hygiene, participants were advised to maintain clean surroundings, practise regular handwashing, dispose of waste appropriately and ensure that food and drinking water are properly handled and protected from contamination.

The sensitisation team also emphasised the importance of early warning, early action and active community participation in disaster risk reduction. Market users were encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report emerging hazards and emergencies to the appropriate authorities.

NEMA Gombe Operations Office reaffirmed its commitment to working with community-based groups and other stakeholders to strengthen disaster preparedness, prevention and effective response across the state.

The Agency urged traders and the wider Tumfure Market community to make safety and disaster prevention a collective responsibility, stressing that effective disaster management begins with awareness and preparedness at the community level