BY: NEWS EDITOR
Stranded in Chad for years, hundreds of Nigerian citizens have finally returned home thanks to the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The successful repatriation effort has brought relief and hope to those affected, providing crucial assistance to restart their lives.
The Boko Haram insurgency has led to a massive displacement of people in the North East region of Nigeria, with many fleeing to neighboring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 200,000 Nigerians have sought refuge in Chad alone.
The repatriation effort is part of the Nigerian government's broader plan to reintegrate displaced citizens and rebuild affected communities.
The repatriation exercise was facilitated by SEMA in collaboration with other government agencies and humanitarian organizations.
Each returnee received a token of N20,000 to support their reintegration into their communities.
SEMA's Director General, Dr. Barkindo Muhammad Saidu, oversaw the repatriation process, reaffirming the agency's commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by displaced persons.
Hon. Tukur Shani, Commissioner Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties, Hon. Zannah Jabu, Former Caretaker Chairman, Kala Balge Local Govt, Representative of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and representatives of Nigerian Immigration Service, Borno State Command were present during the repatriation.
According to Barkindo, SEMA and partner organizations will continue to provide support to returnees, including food, shelter, and livelihood assistance.
He noted that the agency will also work closely with local authorities to ensure the safe and dignified reintegration of returnees into their communities.