Zulum Pledges Relief, Resettlement For Displaced Persons In Monguno

Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured displaced communities affected by insecurity of immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term resettlement support, in collaboration with the Nigerian military hierarchy.

Zulum gave the assurance on Sunday during a visit to displaced persons in Monguno town, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring dignity and facilitating the safe return of affected communities to their ancestral homes.

During his interaction at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, the governor engaged directly with families, including women, children and elderly residents, who gathered to present their concerns.

He said government, in consultation with security authorities, had concluded plans to provide urgent relief in critical areas such as water supply, shelter and sanitation.

“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,” Zulum said.

He added that both medium- and long-term solutions were being developed to ensure sustainable resettlement in communities of origin.

“Apart from this, we shall also ensure that medium and longer-term sustainable solutions are being adopted, which is acceptable to this community and their ancestral home,” he said.

Zulum further assured that the state government would not allow displaced persons to continue to endure hardship without intervention.

“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 also urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains essential in addressing insecurity.

“Security is everybody’s business. Communities must continue to support security agencies with timely and useful information,” he said.

He disclosed that more than 50,000 returnees are currently in Marte, adding that arrangements were underway to facilitate additional returns as part of broader stabilisation efforts.

He subsequently directed the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioners for Local Government and Internal Security, and the Chairman of Marte Local Government Area to develop implementation modalities for the resettlement plan.

Zulum sympathised with victims of recent insecurity and reiterated government’s commitment to sustained humanitarian support.

During the visit, the governor also met health workers at Monguno Eye Hospital, where he commended their service delivery under challenging conditions and announced financial support to improve their welfare.

He further visited the Commanding Officer of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari for a security briefing.

The governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai, Hon. Bukar Talba, Secretary to the State Government Bukar Tijani, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, among other officials.