From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has said that 1.2 million IDPs and refugees are still in camps in the state and in neighbouring Niger and Chad. Zulum disclosed this when the House of Representatives Committee on North-East Development Commission (NEDC) paid him a courtesy visit in Maiduguri, Borno State on Friday.
“There are still 1.2 million IDPs in camps in Borno State and this is worrisome because IDPs live on aid and support from governments and donors. This is not sustainable,” he declared. He said the security situation in the state has improved with about 80 per cent of IDPs resettled. He however revealed that a large number of people that fled their homes in the wake of Boko Haram attacks in Borno are still in Chad and Niger, Nigeria’s neighbours.
He said the political instability in Niger is affecting access to the refugees by the state government. He assured he would continue to appeal to the federal government to help in ensuring the welfare of the refugees is not compromised.
Zulum explained that his administration closed all official camps in the state capital but admitted the existence of two unofficial camps in the city. Chairman of the House Committee on NEDC, Hon Usman Zanna lauded the zeal of the governor to fast track rebuilding and restoration of social and economic life to the state.