By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
Borno
State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara has assured fleeing residents of the state
taking refugee outside the country that they will have a home to return to sooner
than later.
The governor made this promise in Diffa, in neighbouring Niger, while
addressing some of the residents of Borno who fled because of the Boko Haram
crisis from Abadam, Mobbar, and Guzamala Local Government Areas of the troubled
state, birthplace of Boko Haram.
The governor, who donated 10,000 bags of assorted grains to the fleeing
residents, efforts are in top gear to ensure that very soon they are back to
their communities.
Umara, who was received on the visit by the Governor of Diffa , Alhaji Mohamed
Modu, was full of thanks to the Nigerien Government for making life very
comfortable to all the refugees in Diffa since inception of the Boko
Haram crisis.
He said Diffa and Borno are just like twins, “so also are Nigeria and Niger
Republic with almost same common culture, tradition and historical background.”
The governor said: “The government of the two countries will soon look at
possibilities of providing accessible road from Damasak to Diffa for free trade
and movement of people as well as enhanced relationship.
” Very soon, I will come back to Niger to interact personally with my
traumatized citizens.”
The governor announced a donation of N10 million for the refugees in Diffa,
saying that, out of the amount, N5 million is from the Borno State Government,
N3 million from the Senator representing Borno North, Abubakar Kyari and N2
million from Hon. Bukar Gana, the member representing the area in the lower
chamber of the National Assembly.
The governor, also used the occasion to sympathize with the Nigerien government
over the lost of soldiers in the fight against the insurgency, promising to
assist the Multi National Joint Task Force to boost their morale towards the
fight against Boko Haram.
The Governor of Diffa, Alhaji Modu who later spoke assured of the determination
of his administration towards providing full security and support to all the
Nigerians, especially those taking refuge in Diffa province.