BY: NEWS EDITOR, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024/ 01:07PM
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has clarified that the state government has not forced any internally displaced persons (IDPs) to leave the emergency camps established for victims of the Maiduguri flood.
This comes after the government announced the closure of some of the emergency camps.
In a recent video statement, Gov. Zulum emphasized that IDPs were free to decide whether to remain in the camps or return to their homes, stressing that 'we didn't force anyone to leave.'
The governor also highlighted the support provided to the IDPs, including food items such as 25kg of rice and spaghetti for each husband and wife.
Many IDPs have already begun returning to their homes, while others remain in the camps.
The governor reassured that the decision to return home rests with the IDPs, saying, 'If they feel that their homes are safe for return, they should go back, but if they feel it's not, they can stay.'
Additionally, the governor announced plans to conduct a census of the affected areas to assess damaged houses and prevent non-victims from posing as victims.
This move aims to ensure that aid reaches those genuinely in need.
This paper had earlier reported the state government plan to closed and merged some of the emergency established camps in the state.
The closure of some emergency camps is part of the state government's efforts to restore normalcy in Maiduguri. However, Governor Zulum's statement suggests a more voluntary approach to resettlement, prioritizing the needs and preferences of the IDPs themselves.