Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has inaugurated a committee for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and refugees that are indigenes of Abadam Local Government to Malamfatori, the LGA’s headquarters.
Governor Zulum, at the occasion, expressed concern over the plight of several persons living across different IDP camps in the state.
The Governor also noted that Borno people deserve decent and dignified lives, which he hinted can only be achieved when the people are resettled back to their various communities.
Zulum recalled that IDPs have recently returned to Kukawa, Ajiri, Kawuri, Bama, Ngoshe, and Marte Local Government Areas during which they were provided with livelihood materials and cash assistance to help them restart their lives and engage in meaningful economic activities.
The Governor also assured to provide the needed infrastructural development in all nooks and crannies of the state despite the daunting challenges occasioned by the devastating Coronavirus pandemic.
Zulum ordered the committee to start the relocation of persons that are willing to return on the 27th of November.
He had also directed them to immediately commence the rehabilitation and reconstruction works, which will pave way for the IDPs and refugees to return.
The Governor said the committee should put in place, all requirements that will ensure the safety of lives and property, facilitate the establishment of civil authorities on the ground, and ensure the security and safety of returnees while on transit to Malamfatori.
The 24 member committee is being chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineer Bukar Talba, while the Commissioner of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, Engineer Mustapha Gubio is co-chair.
Other members include members representing Abadam at the State Assembly, Hon. Jamna Bong, the governor’s Security Adviser, Brigadier General A S Ishaq (Rtd), Chairman Abadam Local Government, District Head of Abadam, and the LGA’s Secretary.
Others include representatives of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Civilian Joint Task Force, State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the North East Development Commission, NEDC, amongst others.