Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno state Monday inaugurated two committees to complete the ongoing reconstruction work and facilitate full restoration of civil authorities comprising police and other security outposts/ stations, civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), local government offices, palaces and magistrate courts among others in six towns located in Marte and Gwoza local government areas.
The terms of reference of the two committees, with security officials among them as members, were to undertake resettlement at Marte in the northern part of Borno state as well as Ngoshe, Kirawa, Hambagda, Ashigashiya and Warabe in Gwoza local government area of southern Borno, after all safety measures and essential public services are in place.
The committee on Marte is chaired by the Borno state Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR), Mustapha Gubio, while that of Gwoza LGA is chaired by the Borno state commissioner for Housing and Energy, Yuguda Saleh Vungas.
Members also include representatives of communities and humanitarian actors.
The governor stated this at the Government House, Maiduguri and added: “The committees are to continue with rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Marte and Kirawa /Ngoshe, to undertake palliative repairs of Marte and Ngoshe/Kirawa roads in collaboration with the men of the Nigerian Army.
“To put in place all requirements that will ensure safety of lives and properties of returnees, to facilitate the establishment of civil authorities on ground, to identify IDPs willing to return home and to address any other matter that is incidental to the smooth return and safety of lives and property of the returnees.”
He further stated that the state government resettlement drive was aimed at helping citizens pick up the pieces of their lives and move on, after many years of displacement.
The governor assured that government will help the returnees to engage in agricultural and other economic activities that will make them self-reliant and be meaningful members of the state.
Zulum decried the high level of poverty in Borno, particularly within the IDPs, which he said insurgents took advantage of, to recruit many able bodied youth in the state.
The governor told the committees that he was very mindful of the security situation in the state and therefore tasked the committees to carry out their duties without haste and not to force the IDPs.
“We should not be in haste; we should not force anyone to return. There is an increasing demand from the IDPs to return home, don’t force anyone,” Zulum said.
Responding on behalf of both committees, Mustapha Gubio assured that they would put in their best in discharging the assignment.
Meanwhile, the governor commended Baga committee for setting good precedent as well as the military for supporting the resettlement drive.
