Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has called on the Federal Government to urgently support Borno State in resettling, reconstructing and rehabilitating victims displaced by over a decade of insurgency. He made the appeal during a Christmas luncheon he organised with the Coalition of Christian Youths for IDPs at the Christian Association of Nigeria Centre in Borno.
The event drew hundreds of displaced persons, traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures and community stakeholders. Ndume commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his exceptional commitment to humanitarian recovery, particularly in insurgency hit areas like Gwoza Local Government Area.
Responding to IDPs’ requests to return home, the Borno South senator assured them he would engage Zulum directly to facilitate their safe repatriation. He pledged to help bring back those at Minawao Camp in Cameroon to their Borno communities.
Ndume announced distribution of 200 bags of rice and cash aid: 30 bags to Youth-CAN, 20 for the luncheon, 100 to CAN Centre IDPs, and 50 to other camps. He said similar support would reach Bayan Dutse IDPs from Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Pulka and nearby Gwoza communities.
Rev. Waziri Dibal, Chairman of Indigenous Pastors of Borno, thanked Ndume and appealed for sustained government backing for returns. Borno Christian Youths Chairman Barr. Ephraim Yidawi urged more youth involvement in repatriation and reintegration.
Beneficiary Dr. Yohana praised Ndume’s presence as a symbol of unity and empathy. APC’s Hon. Luka Apagu Mussa and Camp Chairman John Gwoma Haghaya commended both Ndume and Zulum’s humanitarian leadership.
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