Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has set up a 24-member committee to return Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to the Malam Fatori community in Abadam Council. Malam Fatori, located on the shores of Lake Chad was attacked several times by Boko Haram insurgents; displacing thousands of residents to take refuge in Maiduguri, Bosso and Diffa camps in Niger for seven years. The Committee, according to him, is headed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Bukar Talba. While inaugurating the committee members Monday in Maiduguri, he disclosed: “This committee is set up against the backdrop of the relative peace enjoyed in many parts of the state. “It was as a result of the successes recorded by the gallant troops against the insurgents.” He said the committee is to resettle the IDPs that are willing to return to ancestral homes and continue with the livelihoods.
He noted that even though the government is concerned with the plights of displaced persons in various camps, they cannot be returned to communities with their families without clearance from the Army. According to him, the complete return of IDPs with dignity to pick up life afresh to become self-reliant. “The IDP camps in Maiduguri metropolis are to be closed before the end of this year,” he disclosed, noting that peace has returned to many parts of the state.
He listed the communities that were returned of IDPs to include Kukawa, Kauwuri, Ajiri, Auno Ngoshe, Bama and Marte. He added that all the seven communities have been provided with livelihoods and financial support. Continuing, he said: “We’re also to provide the immediate infrastructural facilities in all the nooks and crannies of the state,” stating that this was in fulfilment of the electioneering campaigns promises to the people. While thanking the Army, he said: “I enjoined you to sustain the operations and deny the terrorists breathing space on our land.
On the committee’s terms of reference, he said: “You’re to commence the rehabilitation and construction work in Mallam Fatori,” adding that the panel is also saddled with the responsibility of returning all IDPs that are not living in Abadam Council. According to him, the committee is also to establish civil authority in the council, including the identification of IDPs that are willing and in line with the Kampala Convention. He said that the relocation exercise is to be extended to the Abadam community and other towns in the council. He added that food and non-food items including means of livelihoods are to be provided to the IDP returnees.
