Zulum Moves To Repatriate 12,000 Borno Refugees From Cameroon, Others

 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has renewed efforts to repatriate no fewer than 12,000 Nigerian refugees currently taking shelter in Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.

The refugees, mostly from Kirawa, Ngoshe, Ashigashiya and adjoining communities in Gwoza Local Government Area, have been displaced for over a decade due to insurgency.

Zulum, who spoke during a visit to the Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon’s Far North region, assured the displaced persons that arrangements had been concluded to facilitate their safe return.

He said the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies, had strengthened security across affected communities following years of sustained military operations.

“The welfare of refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees remains a priority for us,” the governor said, adding that restoring the dignity of victims of insurgency is a central plank of his administration’s humanitarian agenda.

Zulum announced a comprehensive support package for those willing to return home, including N500,000 cash support per household for shelter rehabilitation, while women-headed households will receive N100,000 each. He also pledged to provide boreholes and other basic amenities to ease resettlement.

The governor’s visit, which brought renewed hope to the refugees, also featured a tour of farmlands allocated to them by the Cameroonian government. He commended their resilience and promised support for irrigation and water supply to enhance agricultural productivity.

“Empowering refugees to maintain their livelihoods is critical to ensuring a smooth transition back into their communities,” he added.

Governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, Mijinyawa Bakari, lauded Zulum’s commitment, describing his consistent support for displaced Nigerians as humanitarian and exemplary. He also acknowledged the long-standing cooperation between both countries in managing displacement and promoting regional stability.

Zulum was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), Gwoza lawmaker Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, commissioners, and other officials.