Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has inaugurated a committee to
return Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Baga to their
communities on shores of Lake Chad.
According to him, the deadline of returning Baga IDPs, is slated for
September 26, 2020.
While inaugurating 23-member committee on Monday in Maiduguri, Zulum
disclosed that; “A letter was received from the Chief of Army Staff,
Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; notifying the desire of the people to relocate
from IDP camps and host communities to Baga town.”
Baga was severally attacked by Boko Haram insurgents for IDPs take
refuge in camps, before the military liberated it in July, 2017.
He said the State Government has taken steps; for the relocation of
displaced Baga people to return to their ancestral homes.
He said that the state government has constituted a 23-member panel
with six-point terms of reference comprising top government
functionaries of both federal and state levels.
“The panel also include the Armed Forces, Civil Defense, Civilian JTF
and traditional rulers,” he said, stating that the committee members
should work round the clock to meet the deadline of returning IDPs.
While listing the terms of reference, has said that the panel should
immediately commence the reconstruction and rehabilitation works in
Baga town.
He added that the committee members are to undertake palliatives
distribution along Monguno Cross Kauwa and Baga roads in collaboration
with military.
“They should put in place roads requirements that will ensure the
safety of people’s lives and property on return,” he said; adding that
that the establishment of civil authority be also facilitated.
On implementation of return of IDPs, he said: “This committee, is to
identify IDPs from Baga with a view of resettling them into their
communities.”
He said that the military and security agencies are to partner with
panel to protect returnees’ lives and property.
He said the state government will not hesitate to release funds
required for the implementation of this laudable objectives.
While accepting the task of IDPs’ return, the State’s Attorney-General
and Commissioner of Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, said: “We’ll not relent
our efforts of returning the displaced persons from Baga to their
communities.
“All hands will be on deck to return the displaced persons to their
communities.” Adding that the committee will be updating the Governor
with period reports to meet the deadline on returnees.
