Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum yesterday flagged off the resettlement of internally displaced persons to nine local government councils while also disbursing N954.7m for their rehabilitation.
About 12,985 people comprising 4,880 male heads of household, 1,230 female heads of household, 6,875 married women and other family members were earmarked to be resettled in the nine local government areas, while the first phase of those to be resettled are to communities in six local government areas of Bama, Konduga, Gwoza, Kukawa, Jere and Ngala.
Each of the 4,880 male heads of household and another 1,230 female heads of household received N100,000, while about 6,875 married women each received N50,000 cash.
Zulum said while cash support was distributed, 6,875 married women also received maize, rice, mattresses, oil and kitchen utensils.
Governor Zulum also stated that the food items distributed were part of the federal government’s support for the state.
He said; “These food items we are giving to the returnees are from NEMA. A few days ago, we launched the distribution of food items donated to the government of Borno by the federal government at Pulka.
“This resettlement is voluntary. All these IDPs have expressed their willingness to return to their ancestral homes or other areas with relative peace and tranquility. So, the resettlement is in line with the Kampala convention, which signifies that IDPs are to be resettled in a dignified manner.”
Zulum expressed concern over the criminal activities in the Muna IDP camp; saying; “I think people of Borno State will bear witness that this is one of the most notorious camps in Borno State. There’s a lot of prostitution ongoing in this camp; there’s a lot of procreation without care going on in this camp, and above all, there’s a lot of criminality that is ongoing in this camp. Including theft and rubbery.”