Borno State government says it is closing all internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps located within the state capital, Maiduguri, by 31st December, this year.
Governor of the State, Professor Babgana Zulum revealed this in an interview with State House Correspondents after he met behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.
He said due to the recent improvement in the security situation in the state, government has decided to close the IDP camps, to enable the displaced persons return to their ancestral homes.
“I came to brief the President on the efforts made by the Borno State government in ensuring the return of internally displaced persons to their homes.
“So far so good, Borno State government has started well and arrangements have been concluded to ensure the closure of all internally displaced persons camps that are inside Maiduguri metropolis on or before 31st December, 2021,” he said.
The Governor added that arrangements have also been concluded for the safe return of displaced persons, currently residing in neighbouring Niger and Cameroun Republics, in collaboration with the federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“In addition to that, Borno State government is also making efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to continue with the repatriation of Nigerians that are living in Minawo camp in Cameroun.
“Furthermore, on the 27th November, Borno State government will ensure the resettlement of IDPs that are living in Diffa Province of Niger to Malumfatari, a local government area in Borno State, where now, we don’t have human population, because of the insurgency,” the Governor explained.
Professor Zulum noted with delight, the overwhelming support Borno State is receiving from the Nigerian military.
“To this effect, the Nigerian military is providing all the needed support to the government of Borno State. I am pleased to inform you also that the Chief of Naval Staff has ensured the return of Naval Base to Baga last month,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that he used the occasion of his visit to the President, to request that the fight against insurgents be sustained, in order to totally bring to an end, acts of terrorism in the State.
