Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity of victims of insurgency, including Nigerian refugees in the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Governor Zulum gave this assurance while addressing refugees at the Minawao camp in Cameroon’s Far North region, as part of government efforts to repatriate those who remain. Over 12, 000 Nigerian refugees from Kirawa, Ngoshe, Ashigashiya and surrounding communities in Gwoza Local Government Area have been living in the camp for more than a decade.
The governor’s visit provided a significant relief and renewed optimism as he interacted with the refugees. For many, his presence signalled that the long road home was finally opening, describing the moment as their “first real assurance”.
Governor Zulum informed the refugees that adequate security arrangements have been put in place in their home communities, following years of expanded military operations and civilian security initiatives across Gwoza and other parts of Borno.
“The welfare of refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees remains a priority for us,” Zulum said, noting that rebuilding the lives of insurgency survivors is a core pillar of his administration’s humanitarian and development agenda.
The governor also announced cash support for shelter rehabilitation for those willing to return, a measure designed to help returnees begin reconstructing their homes. In addition, he pledged to drill boreholes for the refugees.
“Borno State in partnership with the federal government will provide a cash assistance of N500 000 to each refugee that is willing to return home, while women households will be given N100,000 each,” Zulum announced.
The governor of the Far North Region, Cameroon, Mijinyawa Bakari, praised Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment, describing his continued support for displaced Nigerians in Cameroon as exemplary and deeply humanitarian.
“Borno State Governor has consistently demonstrated genuine concern and responsibility for his people, even beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Bakari stated.
He acknowledged the sustained humanitarian assistance, particularly the governor’s long-standing interventions in the Minawao Refugee Camp.
“Zulum’s physical presence and hands-on support has not only provided relief to the refugees but has also strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon in addressing displacement and regional stability,” he added.
During his visit, Governor Zulum also toured farmlands allocated to the refugees by the Cameroonian government, which have become their primary source of livelihood.
While assessing the fields, he commended the refugees’ resilience and the host authorities’ generosity. He assured farmers that his administration would support their agricultural activities by providing irrigation kits and water sources to boost productivity.
“Empowering refugees to maintain their livelihoods is central to restoring dignity and ensuring a smooth transition back into their communities,” Zulum stressed.
The governor was accompanied by the senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; the member of the House of Assembly representing Gwoza, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha; commissioners, the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government, and other officials.
