Citing what it called improved security situation, Borno Government says latest by December 31, 2021, all internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri will be closed down.
The step became imperative to enable the displaced persons return to their homes.
Governor Babagana Zulum spoke at an interactive session with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“I came to brief the President on the efforts made by the Borno State government in ensuring the return of internally displaced persons to their homes.
“So far so good, Borno State government has started well and arrangements have been concluded to ensure the closure of all internally displaced persons camps that are inside Maiduguri metropolis on or before 31st December, 2021,” he told reporters.
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On the displaced Nigerians currently living in neighbouring Niger and Cameroon Republics, Prof. Zulum said necessary arrangements had been made to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria.
According to him, it is being done in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“In addition to that, 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 Minawo camp in Cameroun.
“Furthermore, on the 27th November, Borno State government will ensure the resettlement of IDPs that are living in Diffa Province of Niger to Malumfatari, a local government area in Borno State, where now, we don’t have human population because of the insurgency,” Zulum also said.
Expressing satisfaction with the support the state government is receiving form the Nigerian military, the governor acknowledged: “To this effect, the Nigerian military are providing all the needed support to government of Borno State.
“I am pleased to inform you also that the Chief of Naval Staff has ensured the return of Naval Base to Baga last month.”
In spite of “improved security” in the state, the governor, however, called for sustained fight against insurgents and all forms of terrorism in the Northeast, particularly in Borno to put an end to it.
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