Refugees from the Bama and Banki areas of Borno State who fled to Cameroon during the decade long insurgency war have returned and resettled in the communities in northeast state of Borno.
Their return was facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHDMSD), coordinated by National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI)
Their voluntary return have been commended by the FMHDMSD Minister, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk and the Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The Minister and the Commissioner expressed their appreciations to President Muhammadu Buhari, who out of his love and passion for the refugees ensured the facilitation of their repatriation back to Nigeria.
Hajiya Farouk recounted the reason the refugees abandoned their homeland for Cameroon, while empathizing with them on the large scale carnage Boko Haram left in their communities – which forced them to flee their homes, she thanked almighty Allah that the intervention of Nigerian military, Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum and other stakeholders has brought normalcy to the region.
The Federal Commissioner, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim whose commission is saddled with the responsibility of bringing the refugees back to Nigeria and ensuring their resettlement in Bama and Banki said home is where anyone desires to want to be regardless of how much circumstances pushed them to stay somewhere else for so long.
“You are now a living witness of the changed circumstance in the area of return. Recall the 6-man delegation from among you who recently visited Banki on 22nd December 2022 for “Go and see, come and tell visit”, the outcome of which you have made up your mind to return home.
“Be rest assured that normalcy has returned to Banki and Bama as you can see people going about their normal livelihood activities. This is as a result of the great efforts of our gallant soldiers and other security agents who have assiduously denied themselves of all comfort, but to defend and protect lives and properties. Their great sacrifices have brought in the desired peace and here we are enjoying it together.
“I am convinced that your decision to voluntarily return home is a golden one at this period. His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari who is very instrumental to your return in safety and dignity expresses deep gratitude for this singular act of yours. To this end, the Federal Government and the Borno State Government together with the support of the international community and development partners will stand by you for sustainable local integration. You are not alone,” she said.
The NCFRMI is the driving force behind the exercise under the formidable direction and support of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, which is under the steering hands of our indefatigable Honourable Minister, Hajia Saadiya Umar Farouq.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim thanked the Minister for her able leadership and also thanked the UNHCR Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms Chansa Kapaya, and her dedicated staff for their continued support to the NCFRMI and the Government of Nigeria, in ensuring that the commission has a successful repatriation exercise.
She also thanked members of the TWG for their efforts since inception and urged them to contribute meaningfully to the reintegration of the people to lead normal life.
The federal commissioner also pleaded to the local communities to be keepers of their brothers and sisters, as the love and care they show them would encourage other refugees to return back home.
Dignitaries from the state executive council, stakeholders and the Commanding Officer of the area, Lt Col MZ Dikko; Commanding Officer 152 TF BN Banki among others attended the event.
