Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum over the weekend supervised the resettlement of 500 families that were made up of 1,200 members displaced for more than seven years, by insurgents attacks.
Of the 1,200 family members, 716 women each received N10,000 cash, a wrapper and children clothings, while 486 men received also N10,000 each.
Both the men and women each received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits and other condiments.
Addressing the returnees at the Doron Baga Primary School, Governor Zulum warned the returnees that, Government will not condone any form of sabotage from any individual, enjoining them to report any suspicious person or activity, as it is only with their co-operation, that security could continue to safeguard Baga.
“This town was dislodged by the insurgents many years ago. Today, to the glory of God, we are witnessing the first return of the people to their home town from Monguno town of Monguno Local Government Area” the Governor said.
Governor Zulum also applauded the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards the return of peace to the shores of Lake Chad and ongoing resettlement.
“Let me use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari first for creating the enabling environment that ensured the return of this very important community.”
The Governor also appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian military, other security establishments and volunteers in civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes for supporting the military and the resettlement committee’s reconstruction efforts.
While in Baga, Governor Zulum took time to assess destructions done to the residence of former Borno State Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan.
Resettlement committee chairman, Kaka Shehu Lawan said that success of people’s return was due to Zulum’s resilience and untiring effort, explaining that with the return, many have returned to fishing businesses.
Displaced residents relocated IDP camps in Monguno IDPs until Zulum set up a resettlement committee that was headed by Borno’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan. The committee rebuilt homes and public institutions and began to safely resettle residents, most of whom had been anxious to return.
Maina Maaji, a prince and resident of Baga of Kukawa Local Government Area, accompanied Zulum during the trip.
Other top Government officials that accompanied the Governor included Chairman of the resettlement committee, Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan, the member representing Kukawa at the Borno State House of Assembly, Haruna Kukawa, Commissioners for reconstruction rehabilitation and resettlement, Engr Mustapha Gubio, that of Agriculture, Engr. Bukar Talba, and Water Resources, Engr. Tijjani Goni Alkali, some APC stakeholders and top Government officials.
Doron Baga, a fishing community located in the shores of Lake Chad is in Kukawa Local Government Area, and was a major area of economic interest to Boko Haram, during their occupation for more than seven years.
