Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has moved towards finally relocating the people of Abadam local government, in the shores of the Lake Chad back to their homes.
The governor in order to actualize this on Monday inaugurated a committee for the resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees that are indigenes of Abadam Local Government to Malamfatori, the local government headquarters.
Abadam local government was one of the local governments overran and under the control of Boko Haram at the peak of the expansionist agenda of the terrorist group.
Many of its residents had to fled into the mainstream Nigeria and to neighbouring West Africa countries bordering the country in the North East.
Zulum while delivering a speech at the inauguration ceremony of the Resettlement Committee on Monday in Maiduguri, expressed concern over the plight of several persons still living across different IDP camps in the State.
The Governor noted that Borno’s people deserve decent and dignified living, which he said can only be achieved when people are resettled back to their various communities.
Zulum recalled that internally displaced persons have recently been 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 promised to provide the needed infrastructural development in all nooks and crannies of the State, in spite of the daunting challenges occasioned by the devastating Corona virus pandemic
The governor who gave the committee’s terms of reference with which to operate, ordered them to start the relocation of persons that are willing to return on the 27th of November 2021.
He also directed them to immediately commence the rehabilitation and reconstruction works that will pave way for the IDPs and refugees return.
He asked the committee to put in place all requirements that will ensure safety of lives and property, facilitate the establishment of civil authorities on ground and ensure security and safety of returnees while on transit to Malamfatori.
The 24 member committee is chaired by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bukar Talba, while the State Commissioner of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Engr. Mustapha Gubio is appointed as co-chair.
Other members include; member representing Abadam at the State Assembly, Hon. Jamna Bong, Governor’s Security Adviser, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq (Rtd), Chairman, Abadam Local Government, District Head of Abadam and Abadam LGA’s secretary.
Others include; representatives of the Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, CJTF, SEMA, NEMA, and NEDC amongst others.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Engr. Bukar Talba expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for finding them worthy to serve the State in another capacity.
He assured the governor that the committee will do their work effectively and will leave no stone unturned in discharging their duties.