BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, MAY 18, 2026/ 12:06PM

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has promised immediate humanitarian support for displaced women, children, and elderly residents in Monguno town, saying their welfare will guide the state’s resettlement plan.

The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during a visit to internally displaced persons in Monguno, where he met directly with families at the IDP camp.

Women, children, and elderly residents gathered around him as he listened to their concerns about living conditions and their desire to return home.

'We have examined the situation critically alongside the hierarchy of the Nigerian military, and it has been concluded that we shall provide immediate humanitarian support to these displaced communities, especially in the areas of water, shelter, and sanitation,' Gov. Zulum said.

He stressed that the intervention would target the most vulnerable groups who often bear the brunt of displacement.

'We will improve the living conditions of the displaced persons; we will not allow our citizens to endure such hardship without urgent government intervention,' he added.

The governor said both short-term relief and longer-term solutions were being developed to ensure displaced families can return to their ancestral communities with dignity.

He disclosed that more than 50,000 returnees are already in Marte, and plans are underway to facilitate the return of more people as part of a medium and longer-term strategy.

Gov. Zulum directed the Secretary to the State Government, the commissioners for local government and internal security, and the Chairman of Marte Local Government Area to work out modalities for implementing the recommendations adopted during the visit.

He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, noting that “security is everybody’s business” and lasting peace requires collective responsibility.

Beyond the camp, the governor visited Monguno Eye Hospital, where he met with health workers providing services under difficult conditions.

He commended their commitment and announced financial support to improve their welfare and strengthen healthcare delivery for women and children in the area.

He also received a security brief at the Forward Operation Base in Mairari.