Mounting Concerns Over Absence of Fire Services in LGAs as Secretariat Razes
A devastating wave of infernos has exposed a critical infrastructure gap in Taraba State, sparking widespread outrage among residents and stakeholders. On Friday, January 9, 2026, a massive fire outbreak razed a significant portion of the Wukari Local Government Secretariat, destroying properties worth billions of naira and bringing administrative activities to a complete standstill. This latest disaster has highlighted a recurring and dangerous reality: the total absence of functional fire service stations across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Wukari Secretariat Inferno: A Battle with Buckets
The fire at the Wukari Secretariat reportedly began in the nearby bushes before spreading rapidly to the administrative buildings. Despite the presence of the Federal University Wukari Fire Service, the intervention was stalled due to a shocking lack of water. Left with no professional alternative, council staff and brave bystanders were forced to battle the towering flames using buckets of water and sand in a desperate, primitive effort to salvage the structure.
According to the Council Chairman, Bala Useni, the destruction was extensive. Most administrative offices were reduced to ashes, with only a small section of the chairman’s office spared. While no casualties were recorded, the loss of vital documents, infrastructure, and equipment has created a governance vacuum in the local council.
A Pattern of Destruction Across Taraba State
The Wukari incident is not an isolated case. Since the beginning of 2026, Taraba has witnessed a series of high-profile fire disasters that have met with little to no professional response:
- Jalingo Pharmaceutical Fire: On January 1, 2026, a wildfire destroyed the popular Moore Pharmaceutical Store and over 23 other shops in Jalingo, the state capital. Eyewitnesses reported that calls to the fire service went unanswered, leaving the building to burn to the ground.
- Historical Losses: Residents recall a similar blaze two years ago at a phone shop in Wukari and the 2022 Wukari Yam Market fire, where over ₦200 million worth of produce was lost—all incidents where the absence of firefighting equipment was the primary reason for the total loss.
The Outcry: Misplaced Priorities and Political Failure
Community members and council workers have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as “misplaced priorities” by elected officials. Despite having representation at the local, state, and federal levels, none of the 16 local government councils in Taraba can boast of a single functional fire truck or a properly equipped station.
”It is a shame that in 2026, we are still fighting fires with buckets,” lamented a local resident. Stakeholders argue that the billions lost in these infernos could have easily funded the establishment of modern fire stations in every LGA headquarters. The Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) has been active in assessing damages and providing relief materials, but residents insist that prevention and rapid response are more critical than post-disaster palliatives.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Urgent Infrastructure Reform
As the harmattan season continues to bring dry winds and increased fire risks, the pressure is on Governor Agbu Kefas and the state legislature to prioritize the Taraba State Fire Service. Essential steps requested by the public include:
- Procurement of Modern Fire Engines: Ensuring every LGA headquarters has at least two functional fire trucks.
- Water Infrastructure: Installing fire hydrants and dedicated water reservoirs at strategic locations, including markets and secretariats.
- Personnel Training: Recalibrating the state fire service to include 24/7 emergency response teams at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
The rasing of the Wukari Secretariat is a wake-up call that Taraba can no longer afford to ignore. Without a robust and decentralized fire service, the state’s economic progress and public infrastructure remain at the mercy of the next spark. The time for “lessons learned” has passed; the time for active investment in public safety is now.
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