UNDP, Swiss Govt pledge to resettle Yobe community
By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Government of Switzerland have pledged to resettle Malumdunari community, after residents were displaced by Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe state.
The pledges were made on Thursday, when the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mohammed Yahya, inspected the ruins of Malumdunari community for resettlement of displaced persons.
“I’m today delighted that the displaced persons of this community, are willing to return in dignity with the restoration of their destroyed livelihoods,” he said.
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He said that the UNDP, UN and the international community will take this up by supporting the State government resettle about 300, 000 displaced persons.
“We hope that in a year, the victims of insurgency can sing welcome home song, the way we did in Nganaram in Borno state,” said Yahya.
Responding, the Governor noted that Malumdunari is the only displaced community that is yet to be resettled after the restoration of peace in the state.
He explained that the State government would work with development partners in rebuilding the community destroyed in the over a decade insurgency.
On the state of security, he said: “We are happy with the improved security situations in the state,” noting that the displaced persons are willing to return to their community.
Continued; “Government will work closely with the UNDP and other development partners to ensure that the people return home with dignity.”
The representative of the Government of Switzerland, Nicolas Mart, said the visit has provided him with the opportunity to see things for himself and assess areas of intervention.
He said the government of Switzerland would partner the State government in resettling the community and other areas of need to improve the living conditions of people.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) also assured its support to Yobe state government to resettle the people.
NEDC’s team leader, Dr. Mohammed Yahaya Jalam, said the commission would provide support towards the resettlement of the affected community.
