By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has launched a tech-driven emergency platform featuring real-time drone surveillance and a 24/7 digital reporting system.
Permanent Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, during the official unveiling at the agency’s headquarters in Makurdi on Monday, described the initiative as a leap into the future of emergency management.
He said that the newly launched Benue Electronic Emergency Management System (Benue E-Emergency Platforms) would enable residents to report crises including floods, fire outbreaks, road accidents, herder attacks, and disease outbreaks directly through BSEMA’s website and social media handles.
Iorpuu explained that a standout feature of the system is the integration of drone technology to capture live video and images of disaster-hit areas and activities in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
He said the visual data will be publicly accessible, ensuring transparency and helping mobilise quick support from humanitarian partners.
“This innovation ensures a smarter and faster emergency response. With drone footage and digital reports, we can respond more efficiently, restore hope, and save lives,” he said.
Iorpuu said that the platform was developed in partnership with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), positions BSEMA as the first sub-national agency in Nigeria to fully implement a digital-first disaster management strategy.
