Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced plans to close the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Konduga as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to resettle victims of insurgency, following the successful closure of the Bama camp and the planned shutdown of the Gwoza camp.
Zulum disclosed this during a visit to the Konduga IDP camp, where he met with displaced persons and assured them that the resettlement process would be voluntary and carried out with dignity.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the governor said consultations with the displaced persons would continue over the next four months before the relocation begins.
“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,” Zulum said.
During the visit, the governor inspected ongoing construction of resettlement houses in Amarwa, a new resettlement city being developed to accommodate displaced persons currently living in camps.
He also visited Maiwa in Mafa Local Government Area, where the state government is constructing additional housing units equipped with essential facilities, including a primary healthcare centre, water supply and other basic amenities to support returning families.
Zulum said the housing projects formed part of the state’s broader strategy to ensure displaced persons return to safe and habitable communities with access to basic social services.
The governor was accompanied by the member representing Bama, Ngala and Kala-Balge Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba; the member representing Konduga Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, Bukar Modu; the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele; and other senior government officials.
West Trybe reports that the Borno State Government has continued implementing a phased resettlement programme aimed at helping displaced families rebuild their lives after years of Boko Haram insurgency.
The closure of camps in Bama, the planned shutdown of the Gwoza camp and the proposed relocation of residents from the Konduga camp reflect the government’s efforts to transition displaced persons from temporary shelters to permanent communities with improved access to housing and public services.
