15/09/2026
NEMA COMMENCES TWO-DAY FLOOD DISASTER RESPONSE SIMULATION EXERCISE IN BENUE
Exercise Code-Named “MWAR UMA” to Strengthen Flood Preparedness and Response
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with Benue state emergency management agency ( Benue SEMA ) and supported by UNDP, UNICEF, World Bank and other partners, has commenced a two-day Full-Scale Flood Disaster Response Simulation Exercise, code-named “MWAR UMA” (Saving Lives), in Benue State.
Declared open on September 15, 2026, by Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by Hon. Anne Mimidoo Kadev, at the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, Benue-SEMA Headquarters, Makurdi, the exercise aims to strengthen flood preparedness, coordination and response capacity.
Governor Alia commended NEMA and development partners, highlighting government interventions in canals, drainage and roads, while stressing stronger coordination among government agencies, responders, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and partners.
Benue-SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir-James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD, represented by Mr. Atii Samuel Atii, welcomed participants and commended NEMA’s efforts to improve preparedness through awareness and simulation exercises.
NEMA Acting Zonal Director, North-Central, Mr. Suleiman Muhammad, said the exercise focuses on early warning, early response, search and rescue, evacuation and the bottom-up emergency response approach involving LEMCs, State agencies and NEMA.
UNDP representative, Dr. Sunday Andorbe Amama, commended NEMA’s leadership and partnerships in strengthening disaster resilience.
The exercise features technical sessions, presentations, safety discussions and panel sessions, with participation from government agencies, security organisations, emergency responders, humanitarian partners, traditional and community leaders, LEMCs and other stakeholders.
Tema Ager
Information officer
Benue SEMA
