Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has rekindled hope among more than 12,000 Nigerian refugees living in the Minawao camp in Cameroon, declaring that the long-awaited journey back home is now within reach. The refugees—mostly from Kirawa, Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, and surrounding communities in Gwoza Local Government Area—have lived in the camp for over a decade after fleeing Boko Haram insurgency.
During a visit to the Far North region of Cameroon, Governor Zulum addressed the refugees in an atmosphere filled with emotion and optimism. His presence, many said, was their “first real assurance” that safe return was finally becoming a reality. Zulum told the gathering that government and security agencies have put in place comprehensive security measures following years of intensified military operations and community-driven security interventions across Gwoza and other parts of Borno.
“The welfare of refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees remains a priority for us,” Zulum declared, reaffirming that restoring the dignity and livelihoods of victims of insurgency is a central pillar of his administration’s humanitarian and development efforts. He announced a robust return-support package designed to ease reintegration for those willing to go back. Each returning refugee will receive *₦500,000, while women-led households will receive ₦100,000. Zulum also committed to providing cash assistance for shelter repairs and pledged to drill boreholes for communities preparing to return.
The governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, Mijinyawa Bakari, applauded Zulum’s consistent commitment to displaced Nigerians, describing his intervention as both humanitarian and exemplary. “Borno State Governor has consistently demonstrated genuine concern and responsibility for his people, even beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Bakari said, praising his long-standing support to the Minawao camp and his direct engagement with refugees.
Zulum also toured farmlands allocated by the Cameroonian government, which have served as the refugees’ primary source of income. He commended their resilience and assured them of continued agricultural support, including irrigation kits and access to water to boost productivity. “Empowering refugees to maintain their livelihoods is central to restoring dignity and ensuring a smooth transition back into their communities,” he added.
The governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Member of the House of Assembly representing Gwoza, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, commissioners, the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government, and other senior officials.
The visit marks another significant step in Borno State’s ongoing efforts to facilitate safe, voluntary, and dignified return for thousands of citizens displaced by insurgency across Nigeria’s borders.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments