Zulum to resettle over 20,000 IDPs to Borno’s liberated communities
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has pledged to resettle over 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) into seven liberated communities in Bama Local Government Areas of the state.
Zulum announced the resettlement of IDP returnees on Tuesday in Bama, while presenting the staff of office to the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Umar Kyari Umar El-Kanemi.
The governor said: “Our plans are underway to resettle over 20,000 displaced persons into liberated communities of Daral Majal, Tarmu’a, Mayanti, Bula Yobe, Abbaram, Goniri, and Kumshe this year.
He said that the seven border communities with Cameroon were attacked between 2013 and 2017, displacing the people to live in various IDP camps for over seven years.
Besides the closure of Bama IDP camp, he added that the state government will continue to implement policies and programmes that will improve the living conditions of people.
“The resettlement programme aligns with State’s 25-year development framework and 10-point strategic transformation plan.”
He pledged to release funds in restoring electricity in Bama township, while Gwoza will be electrified before the end of 2025.
Highlighting the roles of traditional rulers, he said: “Your contributions are appreciated and rewarding in the mobilization of your subjects to complement the state government efforts improve the living conditions of people.”
Zulum noted that traditional rulers have contributed a lot in the socio-economic and political regeneration for peace and stability in the state.
He, therefore, expressed confidence that the new, and second Shehu of Bama will consolidate on the already laid solid foundation of his late father, Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi. In his acceptance speech, Umar El-Kanemi promised to continue build bridges of understanding and unity, by supporting government policies and programmes for a sustainable peace and development.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, and over a dozen emirs from Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Katsina and Kaduna states attended the presentation and turbanning ceremony.
Others that attended the traditional institution’s event, include Senators Kaka Shehu Lawan, Mohammed Ali Ndume, Mohammed Monguno, and 40 members of the National and State Assemblies.
