Borno: Mandara Girau IDPs Return Home After Six Days Displacement
The Borno State Government has successfully facilitated the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Mandara Girau community in Biu Local Government Area, who were displaced for six days following attack on the community by Boko Haram insurgents.
The displaced residents were forced to take refuge at Mbulamel Primary School in Biu.
They were, however, evacuated safely and escorted back to their town under tight security arrangements coordinated by the state government.
The state Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, coordinated the return of the IDPs in line with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The Deputy Governor, who is on an urgent engagement in Abuja, was represented by Yakubu Gambo Kimba, the member representing Biu constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly.
According to Kadafur, comprehensive security measures has been put in place to protect the returnees, adding that the government has provided some relief materials, including food items and medical supplies.
It could be recalled that the Deputy Governor had during a visit to Mbulamel Primary School where the IDPs were temporarily camped, sympathised with them and restated government’s unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being.
He urged them not to panic, encouraged them to resume their normal lives, and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious movement of individuals and groups, and always comply with the rules guiding military and civilian operations in the area.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Alhaji Sule Ali Yimi, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Zulum for his swift intervention.
He said that upon receiving reports of the displacement, the Governor immediately directed the return of the displaced persons, along with adequate relief materials and security arrangements.
Alhaji Yimi commended the security arrangement and assured the people of Mandara Girau that their lives and properties would be adequately protected.
The District Head of Mandara Girau, Alhaji Maina Lawan Modu thanked the state governor for facilitating their return to the town, and in providing comprehensive security and relief materials.
It will be recalled that the residents of Mandara Girau were displaced last week following a retaliatory attack by Boko Haram insurgents. The attack came after troops of the Nigerian Army on patrol arrested and neutralized two insurgents, which made the terrorists to accuse the local population of collaborating with the military.
In his remarks, Kimba, the member representing Biu in the state Assembly, said the return of the displaced persons marks another step in the Borno State Government’s continued efforts to restore peace, stability, and normalcy across communities affected by insurgency, and thanked Governor Zulum for his support.
