The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Gombe Operations Office, in collaboration with the NEMA Community Development Service, CDS, Group, has sensitised traders and market users at Tumfure Market on measures to prevent and mitigate flood, fire and other disaster risks.
The exercise was conducted on Thursday, 13 August 2026, to strengthen community awareness, preparedness and early action to reduce the impact of disasters within the market and surrounding areas.
During the engagement, the team educated traders on the causes and dangers of flooding, with emphasis on indiscriminate waste disposal, blocked drainage channels and obstruction of waterways. Participants were urged to keep their surroundings clean and ensure drainage channels remain free of refuse to allow free flow of rainwater.
On fire safety, traders were advised to avoid overloading electrical sockets, handle electrical appliances and inflammable materials properly, and report faulty electrical connections promptly. They were also encouraged to provide and maintain basic firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers.
On public health and hygiene, participants were told to maintain clean surroundings, practise regular handwashing, dispose of waste properly, and ensure food and drinking water are handled and protected from contamination.
The team stressed the importance of early warning, early action and active community participation in disaster risk reduction. Market users were urged to remain vigilant and report emerging hazards and emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
NEMA Gombe Operations Office reaffirmed its commitment to working with community-based groups and stakeholders to strengthen disaster preparedness, prevention and response across the state.
The Agency called on traders and the wider Tumfure Market community to make safety and disaster prevention a collective responsibility, noting that effective disaster management begins with awareness and preparedness at community level.
