The Benue State Government has officially launched a drone-powered electronic emergency management system to enhance surveillance and response efforts across vulnerable communities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Monday, James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), stated that the initiative is a game-changer for emergency preparedness and disaster response in the state.
“BSEMA, in collaboration with the technical team from Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC, has introduced drone surveillance services for real-time capture of emergency images and videos across affected communities and IDP camps,” Iorpuu announced.
According to him, these drone-enabled situational reports will now be publicly accessible via BSEMA’s digital platforms, promoting transparency, accountability, and faster mobilisation of aid and partnerships.
A Call for Civic Engagement and Digital Adoption
Iorpuu urged residents, diaspora communities, humanitarian organisations, and other stakeholders to actively engage with the Benue E-Emergency platform and refrain from relying on unofficial or politically-motivated sources of information.
“This platform is built for you, powered by you, and with your support, we shall overcome emergency challenges in our dear state,” he added.
Smart Governance Meets Humanitarian Innovation
The launch of the Benue E-Emergency Platform positions the state as a trailblazer in digital emergency management in Nigeria, with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration championing the shift towards tech-driven governance and responsive leadership.
“With drone surveillance in place, Benue can now guarantee a smarter, faster, more transparent, and collaborative emergency response system—a true reflection of the Digital Benue spirit,” Iorpuu declared.
This innovation marks a critical step in protecting vulnerable populations in conflict-prone zones and advancing proactive disaster management across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
