Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured displaced communities affected by insecurity that the government is working closely with the Nigerian military hierarchy to provide immediate humanitarian and long-term support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Monguno, Borno State.
Governor's Visit and Pledges
Zulum made the pledges on Sunday during a visit to displaced persons in Monguno town, reaffirming his administration's commitment to ensuring a dignified resettlement back to their ancestral communities. At the Monguno IDP camp, the governor interacted directly with displaced families as women, children, and the elderly gathered around him, listening to their concerns about being displaced by ongoing insecurity affecting their lives and property.
“We have examined the situation critically alongside the hierarchy of the Nigerian military, and it has been concluded that we shall provide immediate humanitarian support to these displaced communities, especially in the areas of water, shelter, and sanitation,” said Zulum.
Long-Term Solutions
Beyond resettling thousands of IDPs, the governor added: “Apart from this, we shall also ensure that medium and longer-term sustainable solutions are being adopted, which is acceptable to this community and their ancestral homes. We will improve the living conditions of the displaced persons; we will not allow our citizens to endure such hardship without urgent government intervention.”
Zulum urged the displaced residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities, noting that sustaining peace and security requires collective responsibility. “Security is everybody’s business. Communities must continue to support security agencies with timely and useful information,” the governor stated.
Plans for Marte Returnees
Zulum further disclosed that there are over 50,000 returnees in Marte, stressing that plans were underway to facilitate the return of more displaced persons to the town as part of medium and longer-term solutions. He directed the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Local Government, the Commissioner for Internal Security, and the Chairman of Marte Local Government Area to work out modalities for implementing the adopted recommendations.
Support for Health Workers
As part of the visit, Governor Zulum also met with health workers at the Monguno Eye Hospital, commending them for continuing to provide medical services despite difficult working conditions and limited resources. He announced financial support to improve their welfare and encourage greater commitment to healthcare delivery in the area.
The governor also visited the Commanding Officer of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Mairari for a security brief.
