Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to shutting down the Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, the largest in the state, and ensuring the safe resettlement of its occupants.
During a visit to Bama Local Government Area, Governor Zulum assured residents that the former girls’ secondary school, which has served as the camp’s location since the Boko Haram insurgency, will soon be restored to its original purpose.
“I have earlier made a pronouncement that before the end of my tenure, we shall close all IDP camps in Borno State. In fulfillment of this promise, we have started resettlements. You have seen Darajaram and Abbaram. Now, we are focusing on closing one of the biggest IDP camps in the state, which is the Bama camp,” he said.
The governor noted that operating IDP camps indefinitely is unsustainable for the government, emphasizing the need for resettling displaced persons in accordance with the Kampala Convention, which promotes safe and dignified resettlement.
“Non-Governmental Organizations must take note that there is no going back. We are committed to closing these camps and resettling people in safe communities according to relevant laws,” Zulum added.
He also appealed to the military to support the state government’s efforts to create safe conditions for resettlement and praised the federal government for its continued assistance in addressing the plight of displaced persons in Borno.
