Insecurity: Ndume hails FG, Zulum for resettlement of victims of terrorism

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has praised the Federal Government and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for the successful relocation and resettlement of Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, attacks who had taken refuge in Cameroon.

The resettlement followed a tripartite agreement involving the Federal Government, the Borno State Government and the Government of Cameroon, in collaboration with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

The agreement, signed in 2017, provides a framework for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Nigerian refugees, many of whom fled terror attacks to Cameroon’s Minawao camp and surrounding communities.
In a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, commended the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the Borno State Government for sustaining the programme and ensuring that displaced citizens are returned to their ancestral homes.

“I want to commend the Federal Government because the tripartite agreement between it, the Borno State Government, the Government of Cameroon and the UNHCR has ensured the repatriation, resettlement and relocation of Nigerian refugees in Minawao in Cameroon back to Gwoza Local Government,” Ndume said.

He also lauded the Federal Government for initiating the resettlement exercise and praised the Borno State Government for its active role in reintegrating returnees after more than a decade in exile. Ndume specifically highlighted the resettlement of residents of Wala Village in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The former Senate Chief Whip further commended Governor Zulum for restoring electricity to Gwoza, which had remained in total darkness for over 10 years following the destruction of power infrastructure by insurgents.

“The efforts of Governor Zulum in restoring electricity in Gwoza are commendable. We have been without light for over 10 years,” he said, adding that the governor had fulfilled a promise made during the installation of the Emir of Bama last year.

The resettlement agreement was originally signed in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, with a high-level Nigerian delegation led by then Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau. The delegation included the then Governor of Borno State and now Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

Governor Zulum has continued to work closely with the Federal Government and the UNHCR to accelerate the repatriation of tens of thousands of Borno indigenes still in Cameroon, reinforcing efforts to restore stability and rebuild communities affected by insurgency.

Insecurity: Ndume hails FG, Zulum for resettlement of victims of terrorism