Ndume lauds FG, Zulum on return, resettlement of Borno refugees

 

Former Senate Chief Whip and senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has commended the Federal Government and Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, for the successful repatriation and resettlement of Nigerians displaced to Cameroon by insurgency.

Ndume gave the commendation in a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja, describing the initiative as a major step toward restoring dignity and hope to thousands of Borno indigenes forced to flee their homes due to attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

According to him, the repatriation exercise was made possible through a tripartite agreement involving the Federal Government, the Borno State Government and the Government of Cameroon, with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The agreement, signed in Yaoundé in 2017, provides for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Nigerian refugees who sought shelter in the Minawao camp and other locations in Cameroon following years of terror attacks.

Ndume noted that Governor Zulum, in collaboration with the Federal Government and UNHCR, has accelerated the return and resettlement of thousands of displaced persons, particularly in Gwoza Local Government Area.

“I want to commend the Federal Government for the tripartite agreement with the Borno State Government, the Government of Cameroon and the UNHCR, which has ensured the repatriation, relocation and resettlement of Nigerian refugees from Minawao camp back to Gwoza Local Government,” the statement read.

He also praised the resettlement of residents of Wala village in Gwoza, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to rebuilding communities devastated by insurgency.

The lawmaker further applauded Governor Zulum for restoring electricity to Gwoza after more than ten years of blackout, saying the move would significantly improve economic activities and quality of life in the area.

“The restoration of electricity in Gwoza after over a decade is commendable. It shows purposeful leadership,” Ndume said.

He added that the governor fulfilled a promise made during the installation ceremony of the Emir of Bama, noting that such consistency in governance would deepen public trust.

Ndume recalled that in December 2025, he had appealed to the Federal Government to support Borno State in the resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation of victims displaced by more than a decade of insurgency.