Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, said his administration would close the internally displaced persons, IDP, camps within Maiduguri metropolis on or before December 31, 2021.
Zulum disclosed this to State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, he had visited the President to brief him as well as request for the Federal Government’s input in the refugees’ resettlement efforts of his administration, adding that plans were also on to repatriate Nigerian refugees, currently living in IDP camps in parts of Niger Republic.
He said those taking refuge in Diffa Province of Niger Republic would be relocated to their homes in Malam Fatori, Borno State, on November 27.
“I came to brief Mr. President on efforts made by Borno State Government in ensuring the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
“So far, so good, the Borno state government has started well and arrangements have been concluded to ensure closure of all internally displaced persons camps that are inside Maiduguri Metropolitan on or before 31st of December, 2021.
“In addition to this, Borno state government is also making efforts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to continue with the repatriation of Nigerians that are living in Minao camp.
“Furthermore, on 27th of November, Borno state government will ensure the resettlement of IDPs that are living in Diffa Province of Niger to Malam Fatori.
“Malam Fatori is a local government headquarters in Borno State, but somehow, we don’t have human population in this local government areas because of the insurgency.
“Now that we have achieved a reasonable degree of peace, Borno state government has intended to resettle Malam Fatori communities on 27th of this month.
“To this effect, the Nigerian military are providing all the needed support to the government of Borno State. I’m pleased to inform you also that the Chief of Naval Staff has ensured the return of naval base to Baga last month.
“These are some of the reasons why I came to brief Mr. President and I also requested Mr. President to continue to provide more support in ensuring that the growing number of ISWAP that are operating especially in the southern part and northern part of Borno State, are being handled appropriately.
“So, these are some of the reasons why I came here, but most importantly, Mr. President has given me the assurance that he will do everything possible to support the effort by Borno State government of returning internally displaced persons to their ancestral home.
“He has done before and I hope this time around, he will also support the noble cause.
“The people of Borno State and indeed the government are mostly grateful to Mr. President for all the efforts that he has been making, with a view to bringing succor to the internally displaced persons in the State,” he said.
Source: The Nation
