Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced plans to close the Konduga Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp to restore normalcy and dignity to communities displaced by over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency.
The planned shutdown follows the successful closure of the Bama IDP camp, formerly the largest displacement facility outside the state capital, and ongoing efforts to close the Gwoza camp.
Speaking to newsmen, Zulum, however, stressed that the relocation is entirely voluntary and no one will be forced to resettle where they are not willing to go.
The governor has consistently maintained that returning to ancestral homes or other areas of choice must be based on the displaced persons’ expressed willingness.
“We are not carrying out the resettlement process immediately; we are here to discuss with the IDPs so that in the next four months they will be resettled in a dignified manner.
“I believe you heard from the IDPs that they are willing to return home. Return shall be voluntary, not by force,” he said.
During his visit to Konduga, Governor Zulum inspected resettlement houses currently under construction in Amarwa and later proceeded to Maiwa in Mafa LGA.
The Amarwa resettlement city, for which the governor had earlier laid the foundation, is being built to shelter displaced persons living in camps.
In Maiwa, the state government is constructing massive housing units as part of the ongoing resettlement programme.
The resettlement houses are equipped with public facilities like a primary healthcare centre, a water facility, and other basic amenities.
Zulum was accompanied during the visit by the member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba; the Member of the House of Assembly for Konduga, Hon. Bukar Modu; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.