By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
Former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has urged the Federal Government to urgently scale up humanitarian intervention in Borno State to fast-track the resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation of communities devastated by over a decade of insurgency.
Ndume made the call while hosting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at a Christmas luncheon organised in collaboration with the Coalition of Christian Youths (Youth-CAN) for displaced persons sheltering at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Borno State.
In a statement issued by his Media Office and made available to journalists in Abuja, the event attracted hundreds of IDPs, as well as traditional rulers, political leaders, clerics, youth organisations and other stakeholders.
The senator said the protracted displacement crisis in Borno required a stronger federal presence and sustained humanitarian funding to complement the state government’s efforts.
He stressed that many displaced persons were willing and ready to return to their ancestral homes if provided with adequate security and basic infrastructure.
He used the occasion to commend Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for what he described as uncommon commitment to humanitarian recovery and post-conflict rebuilding, particularly in conflict-ravaged communities of Gwoza Local Government Area.
“Out of the 27 local governments in Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown exceptional courage, compassion and dedication to Gwoza and other affected areas,” Ndume said.
Responding to appeals by the displaced persons, the lawmaker assured them of his intervention, pledging to engage Governor Zulum on their demands for safe and dignified return.
“It gladdens my heart that you have directly asked me to support your return home. We will ensure this happens. We are fortunate to have a governor who truly cares for his people, and I will personally take this matter up with him,” he assured.
Ndume also pledged to facilitate the safe repatriation of Borno indigenes currently taking refuge at the Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon back to their communities.
As part of the outreach, the senator distributed 200 bags of rice and cash support.
According to him, 30 bags were given to Youth-CAN, 20 bags used for the Christmas luncheon, 100 bags distributed to IDPs at the CAN Centre, while 50 bags went to displaced persons in other camps across the state.
He disclosed that similar Christmas engagements would be held in Bayan Dutse, noting that many of the IDPs were from Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Pulka, and other communities in the Gwoza Local Government Area.
Earlier, Chairman of Indigenous Pastors of Borno State, Rev Waziri Dibal, thanked Ndume for the intervention and appealed for sustained legislative action to support the return and reintegration of displaced persons.
Also speaking, Chairman of Borno State Christian Youths, Ephraim Yidawi, commended the senator and called for greater inclusion of Christian youth organisations in refugee repatriation programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the IDPs, Yohana expressed gratitude for the material support and Ndume’s personal presence, describing it as a symbol of unity and compassion.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the APC Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Luka Apagu Mussa, and the Camp Chairman, Mr John Gwoma Haghaya, who praised Ndume’s intervention and acknowledged Governor Zulum’s sustained humanitarian leadership.
The event ended with meals, cultural performances, and communal celebrations, rekindling hope among displaced persons for the restoration of dignity and stability in their communities.
