Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East have begged for restoration of peace in the region, saying such achievement would afford them the opportunity to return to their original homes and livelihoods.
The IDPs under the umbrella of the Conference of North East IDPs, in a statement, Monday, expressed displeasure with the current state of insecurity in the country.
They recalled that they had thought the appointments of new service chiefs would make a difference.
In a statement signed by Alhaji Umar Shafa, for Borno state; Chief Bitrus Waja representing Adamawa state and Mallam Mohammed Buni,for Yobe state, respectively, they particularly begged President Muhammadu Buhari to expedite action against insecurity so that total peace could be restored.
The IDPs hailed the governor of Borno state, Prof.Babagana Zulum, who they described as “a governor with the heart of the people,”
They said Zulum’s sterling leadership quality had given them hope that the situation was temporary, adding, “we will continue to support and pray for him.”
“We thank governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state who has distinguished himself among equals by his exemplary leadership qualities. He has personally proven that he is a governor with the heart of the people and we will continue to support and pray for him,” the group said.
While thanking the president for injecting fresh hands in the war against insecurity through appointments of service chiefs, the group said the exercise should be done constantly for effective results; especially when the desired results are not achieved.
“The Boko Haram threats have assumed a new dimension with direct targets on farming communities and markets. This is a deliberate act to weaken the economy of the North East. Farmers are killed and their farms and livestock destroyed or stolen.
“We’re more worried that the press is giving little attention to this incident which happens on a daily basis,” the statement added.
“Even in the IDPs’ camps, we are now leaving in perpetual fear, given that we do not know what could happen any time.”
“We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure his security architecture for effective results, so that we can return to our respective homes.
“We appeal to authorities to make our feeding, shelter,health and other basic necessities of life their priorities so that our situation will greatly improve.”
