From ASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, yesterday, flagged-off the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in nine local government councils and disbursed N954.7 million for their rehabilitation.
About 12,985 people comprising 4,880 male heads of households, 1,230 female heads of households, 6,875 married women and other family members were earmarked to be resettled in nine local government councils, while the first phase of those to be resettled are to communities in Bama, Konduga, Gwoza, Kukawa, Jere and Ngalaba Local Government Areas.
According to him, each of the 4,880 male heads of households and another 1,230 female heads of households received N100,000, while about 6,875 married women received N50,000 cash each.
Zulum noted that while cash support was distributed, 6,875 married women also received maize, rice, mattresses, mats, oil and kitchen utensils.
He also stated that the food items distributed were part of the federal government’s support for the state. “The food items are from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. A few days ago, we launched the distribution of food items donated to Borno by the federal government at Pulka.”
He added that “I want to commend President Bola Tinubu and the office of the vice president. I also want to commend NEMA for partnering with us to ensure sustainable resettlement of IDPs in this very important camp.
“This resettlement is voluntary. These IDPs expressed willingness to return to their ancestral home or other areas with relative peace and tranquillity. So, the resettlement is in line with the Kampala Convention which signifies that IDPs are to be resettled in a dignified manner.”
Zulum expressed concern over the criminal activities in Muna IDP camp; stressing that, “I think the people of Borno State will bear witness that this is one of the most notorious camps. There is a lot of prostitution, a lot of procreation without care going on in this camp, Above all, there is a lot of criminality including theft and robbery.”
