By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Borno State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has distributed ₦200,000 each to the first batch of 713 refugees, who voluntarily returned from Chad and Cameroon.
In addition to the financial support, the returnees also received essential humanitarian aid, including food and non-food items, provided by the state government.
The official flag-off ceremony for the disbursement of the cash took place on Saturday at Gubio IDPs Camp in Maiduguri, the state’s capital.
As part of the initial phase of the repatriation exercise, 713 families have returned to their hometowns, including Baga, Doro, Koros, Kwauwa, and Bandaram.
During the flag-off ceremony, the Acting Director General of SEMA, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi emphasized that only those who voluntarily expressed interest in returning home would be repatriated.
He also extended his gratitude to the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Engr Babagana Umara Zulum, for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts.
“I sincerely appreciate the Executive Governor for his leadership during crises and for his complete collaboration with the federal government in ensuring the well-being of displaced persons. His dedication to serving humanity is commendable,” Abdullahi Isa said.
The Acting DG, SEMA also prayed for Almighty Allah’s continued guidance and protection for Governor Zulum as he leads efforts to restore stability and improve the lives of affected communities.
He noted further that this initiative is part of the Borno State Government’s ongoing efforts to support displaced persons and facilitate their reintegration into their ancestral communities.
