Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum says the state government would soon commence the readmission of over 200 thousand citizens of the state, hitherto seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, due to insurgency.
The Governor, who disclosed during an interview with State House Correspondents on Monday, said the exercise would commence on November 27.
He said the Nigerians are willing to return home because of the improved security situation in Borno State.
“I came to brief the President on the plight of Nigerians that are living in the Republic of Chad, Cameroun and Niger, especially the indigenes of Borno State, numbering over 200 thousand.
“Now that we have started witnessing gradual return of peace to Borno State, these people of Borno State taking refuge in neighbouring countries are willing to return home and therefore, Borno State government has fixed a date of 27th November, 2021 for the commencement of their readmission process especially to two Local Government Areas of Abadam and Guzamala.
“So, I came to solicit for the support of the President with a view to ensuring hitch free exercise. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with its agencies; National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Refugee Commission, as well as the North-East Development Commission plus the Borno State government have the capacity to shoulder responsibility for the exercise,” he said.
Governor Zulum said modalities are being put in place to ensure the safety of the returnees, adding that the Chief of Army Staff and heads of other security agencies have given assurances of adequate protection for the communities where the returnees will settle in.
The Governor also debunked claims of appointment of a Governor in a part of the State by the Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist group (ISWAP).
He said: “We are yet to validate the authenticity of this report that ISWAP appointed governor in Borno state, as the Governor of the state.
“This report is not authenticated. You have just seen somebody write something in one of the…I think it’s on Facebook or something like that. You’re a Journalist and I think we have to prove reports beyond reasonable doubts, before commenting on such reports.
“As far as I’m concerned. I’m the Governor of Borno State and I don’t have any information that we have another government in a Nigerian state or Borno. Yes. And I’m very much in charge.”
Recall that a report had emerged a few weeks ago, which claimed that the insurgents had appointed one Abba Kaka as the governor in Borno State, under a new leadership restructuring by an interim council.
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