ADVERTISEMENT

Governor says IDPs cannot return to Bama before Ramadan

Governor Kashim Shettima had earlier promised to return the IDPs to the liberated communities by May 29, 2017.

Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima

Shettima had promised to return IDPs to  liberated communities by May 29, 2017.

However on Tuesday, the governor announced a change of plan when he inaugurated 12 public infrastructure rebuilt by Borno Government in Bama with N360 million provided by the Victims Support Fund (VSF).The fund,  established in 2014 with public donations, has retired Lt.-Gen.  Theophilus  .Y Danjuma  as Chairman.

The governor said: “Our goal was for our people to be able to return to Bama before this Ramadan.

ADVERTISEMENT

‘’Unfortunately, this is not feasible because the military is still carrying out operations in some areas around the Sambisa as part of mop up exercise in the yet to be concluded fight against Boko Haram.

“We will continue to work with security agencies to review situations. Our number one priority is the security and safety of our people.

“We will not allow any IDP return to any community that has not regained 100 per cent safety.

“When IDP’S return to communities, they will still need to go to their farms, markets and to travel for economic and social purposes.

“We must be sure that farms are safe and routes are safe before we allow our people to return. But even while we do the reviews, we will continue with our aggressive reconstruction works.’’“We will not wait till eternity.

ADVERTISEMENT

‘’We are very optimistic that very soon, the entire Borno will be safe enough for full habitation. We look forward to Borno reclaiming peace, security and progress," he added.

Shettima said the government was laying emphasis on Bama but paying attention to all parts of the state.

He said ”For the purpose of setting records straight, I think I should use this opportunity to once again explain that  our focus is on all parts of Borno not just on Bama.

“Our reconstruction works actually started in northern Borno where we rebuilt numerous public and private infrastructure in Kaga Local Government Area.

“We are currently working in 14 local government areas but  there is  special emphasis on Bama, Mobbar and Gwoza.’’

ADVERTISEMENT

He said Bama was getting the highest attention because it was adjudged the worst hit by the insurgency in the Northeast.

He said the Post Insurgency Recovery and Peace Building Assessment conducted on the Northeast by the World Bank, the European Union, the Presidency and State Government in the northeast indicated so.

”More than 80 per cent of public and private infrastructure were destroyed by Boko Haram during their occupation.

”The Boko Haram as we all know, also occupied Gwoza but they did not destroy Gwoza as much as they destroyed Bama.

“So, our idea of facing Bama is to confront the most difficult challenge in a bold manner so that our task becomes less," he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shettima said next to Bama in terms of massive destruction was Mobbar.

‘’We are currently working in Mobbar. We have deployed so much resources so that we also confront the rebuilding challenge” he said.In his remarks,  Danjuma, represented by Vice- Chairman of VSF, Tijjani Tumsah, said the fund  decided to intervene in Bama because it was impressed by the efforts of the Borno Government.

He said while the fund provided N250 million for the reconstruction of 24 projects in Dikwa last year, the state government used the fund to rebuild not only the 24 projects but added 16 others.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

8 people including professor declared wanted over killing of 17 soldiers

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT