Taraba SEMA Boss Demands Probe Into Alleged Diversion of Relief Materials
The Executive Secretary of Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Echuseh Audu, has formally requested a comprehensive investigation into allegations that she diverted relief materials intended for vulnerable residents. Audu, who oversees the distribution of humanitarian aid to internally displaced persons and low-income households, has taken the unprecedented step of reporting herself to multiple security and investigative agencies to ensure a transparent inquiry.
Self-Reporting to Authorities
In a telephone interview, Audu revealed that she has submitted herself to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Office of the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, and the Taraba State Ministry of Justice. She emphasized that her decision aims to protect the integrity of the agency and prevent assumptions of guilt before any investigation is conducted.
"An independent investigation is necessary to clear my name," Audu stated firmly. "I have nothing to hide, and I want authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent probe into these allegations."
Social Media Allegations and Response
The allegations originated from viral social media posts by one Abdulmuni Imam, who accused SEMA leadership of diverting substantial quantities of relief items. According to the posts, more than 10,000 bags of rice and over 1,000 cartons of groundnut oil were allegedly sold outside Taraba State.
Audu has challenged Imam to provide verifiable evidence to support these claims, noting that no documentation has been presented. "Accountability must be based on facts," she insisted. "Transporting such volumes of goods would require significant logistics that should be traceable if such diversion actually occurred."
She warned that these unsubstantiated allegations could erode public trust in humanitarian efforts and potentially discourage support from donor organizations, stressing the critical importance of maintaining credibility in relief operations.
Police Investigation Initiated
Meanwhile, the police have confirmed that steps have been taken to investigate the matter. In a letter addressed to Abdulmuni Imam, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has invited him to appear before investigators on April 1, 2026, to present his evidence and substantiate the claims made in his social media posts.
Related Humanitarian Efforts in Niger State
In a separate but related development, the Citizens Health Education and Development Initiative (CHEDI) has successfully implemented a four-month humanitarian intervention supporting flood-affected families in Tiffin Mazda and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa Local Council of Niger State.
The intervention, supported financially and technically by Irish Aid through the Emergency Humanitarian Response Fund (EHRF), addressed urgent needs of families displaced by severe flooding that destroyed homes and disrupted livelihoods. Between November 2025 and March 2026, CHEDI delivered targeted assistance to improve safety, restore dignity, and strengthen resilience among vulnerable households.
Key achievements of the project include:
- Training of 300 women and adolescent girls on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)
- Provision of dignity and hygiene kits, including reusable menstrual pads and essential hygiene materials to 200 vulnerable women and girls
- Nutrition demonstrations and health education sessions enabling caregivers to prepare nutritious meals using locally available foods
- Food assistance provided to 100 vulnerable women, including rice, seasoning, and salt
- Installation of two solar-powered floodlights within IDP camps to improve safety and reduce protection risks for women and girls at night
- Training of 40 community volunteers as GBV Champions with skills in Psychosocial First Aid (PFA), child protection, and referral pathways
Chief Executive Officer of CHEDI, Selina Enyioha, explained that the project focused particularly on the increased vulnerability of women, children, and persons with disabilities following the devastating floods. The community-based implementation strategies ensured that assistance reached those most in need while building local capacity for future resilience.
