From Olukayode Idowu
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum was on Thursday in a close door meeting with President Bazoum Muhammadu of Niger Republic on repatriation of Nigerians who fled into the neighbouring country at the height of Boko Haram insurgency.
A statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the governor, Mallam Isa Gusau said his boss took the trip to Niger on the invitation of President Bazoum Muhammadu.
Gusau said President Bazoum on Thursday, hosted Zulum alongside Governor of Diffa region, Isa Lameen, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan to a closed door meeting in Diffa town.
He disclosed that the meeting focused on repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Borno, who fled communities in different parts of northern Borno, since 2014, over attacks by Boko Haram.
Gusau said the meeting held soon after governors Zulum amd Lameen received President Bazoum at Tandja Momadou Airport in Diffa, a province which is located within close proximity to some communities in northern Borno as large communities in northern part of the troubled state share land borders with Niger Republic.
The government and citizens in both countries have been collaborating on securities and management of refugees who mostly fled from Mobbar, Monguno and other local government areas in northern Borno to Diffa during siege by Boko Haram.
Zulum, who spoke to journalist shortly after the meeting, said: “The outcome is very fruitful, we have taken a number of decisions, which includes the reparation of Borno citizens back to our communities.
“These people have been in Niger in the last six years. With significant improvement regarding our security situation, our people are now looking forward to returning to their communities. We will work with all relevant institutions to ensure safe and dignified return of citizens. We shall do everything possible within our reach to safely resettle our people within the shortest possible time.”
Zulum was accompanied to the Nigerien town of Diffa by the Senator representing Borno North, Abubakar Kyari, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and some top government officials.