Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has confirmed that four persons lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries in multiple fire incidences that occurred between January and March 2025 across the state.
Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Mohammed Goje, disclosed this on Tuesday while alerting residents on the increasing cases of fire incidents.
He said these incidents were reported in communities across 15 local government areas leading to tragic losses, including fatalities, injuries, displacement, and destruction of property.
According to him, emergency responders and technical investigations have identified the primary causes of the fire outbreaks to include: electrical faults; carelessness in handling open flames; gas leaks; bush burning and improper waste disposal, among other factors.
“Fire disaster remains a serious threat to lives and livelihoods of communities at risk this dry and harmattan season.
“SEMA urges all residents, government agencies, and humanitarian partners to work together in preventing future outbreaks. Communities are encouraged to prioritize fire safety, adhere to recommended guidelines, and report any fire hazards promptly to authorities”, he appealed.
He said by taking proactive measures, the risk of the incident can be minimized and build safer communities devoid of fire and other preventable disasters in Yobe State.
Below are key reported incidents as realised by the State Emergency Management Agency:
1) Sabon Gari, Gulani LGA: 16 households (HHs), 38 individuals affected, 2 injured – February 2025
2) Government Senior Secondary School, Gulani: 1 block of 3 classrooms destroyed – February 2025
3) Dole Machina, Machina LGA: 15 HHs, 25 individuals affected, market stalls damaged – March 15, 2025
4) Kumagannam, Yusufari LGA: 17 HHs, 45 individuals affected, 4 injured – March 2025
5) Tulo-Tulo, Yusufari LGA: 16 HHs, 41 individuals affected, 1 dead – March 2025
6) Kafaje, Fune LGA: 29 HHs, 49 individuals affected – March 12, 2025
7) Ghana Community, Machina LGA: 5 HHs, 21 individuals affected – February 2025
8) Pompomari, Gwange, Malari, Abbari, Nasarawa (Damaturu LGA): 37 HHs, 76 individuals affected, 7 injured, 3 children dead – January–March 2025
9) Kalgidi, Machina LGA: 16 HHs, 42 individuals affected – March 2025
10) Tsangaya Malam Ali Kura, Bursari LGA: 21 HHs, 54 individuals affected – March 2025
11) Bebbamde, Fune LGA: 9 HHs, 21 individuals affected – March 2025
12) Babangida Market, Tarmuwa LGA: Market fire incident – February 2025
13) Machina Main Market: 12 HHs, 27 individuals affected – January 2025
14) Garin Dashi, Nangere LGA: 28 HHs, 64 individuals affected – March 2025
15) Unguwar Hausa, Machina LGA: 25 HHs, 53 individuals affected – March 2025
