Insurgency: FG urged to support Borno in resettling IDPs — Ndume … as lawmaker hosts displaced persons

Former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement humanitarian interventions to support the Borno State Government in resettling, reconstructing and rehabilitating victims displaced by over a decade of insurgency.

The senator representing Borno South made the appeal during a Christmas luncheon he organised in collaboration with the Coalition of Christian Youths (Youth-CAN) for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) sheltering at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in the North-East.

A statement issued by his office in Abuja said the event attracted hundreds of displaced persons, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, youth representatives and other community stakeholders.

At the occasion, Senator Ndume praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, describing him as a leader who has shown outstanding dedication to humanitarian recovery efforts across the state, particularly in Gwoza Local Government Area.
He noted that, “Out of the 27 local governments in Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has demonstrated uncommon love, courage and commitment to Gwoza and other conflict-affected communities.”
Responding to appeals from the IDPs seeking assistance to return to their ancestral homes, the lawmaker assured them that he would relay their requests to Governor Zulum.
“It gladdens my heart that you have personally appealed to me to help facilitate your return home. We will work towards ensuring that you go back. We are fortunate to have a governor who genuinely cares for his people, and I will engage him directly on this issue,” he said.
Senator Ndume also pledged to support the safe and dignified return of IDPs currently taking refuge at the Minawao Camp in Cameroon to their respective communities.
During the visit, he announced the distribution of 200 bags of rice and cash assistance. 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 were shared among IDPs in other camps across the state.
He further disclosed that similar Christmas outreach programmes would be extended to Bayan Dutse, noting that many of the displaced persons hail from communities such as Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Pulka and other parts of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Chairman of Indigenous Pastors of Borno State, Rev. Waziri Dibal, expressed deep appreciation to Senator Ndume for hosting the luncheon and appealed for continued legislative and governmental backing to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their original communities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Borno State Christian Youths, Barrister Ephraim Yidawi, lauded the senator for standing with the youths and urged greater involvement of Christian youth organisations in the repatriation and reintegration of refugees from Cameroon.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Dr. Yohana thanked Senator Ndume for his material support and, most importantly, for personally attending the Christmas luncheon, describing his presence as a strong symbol of unity, inclusion and compassion.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the APC Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Luka Apagu Mussa, and the Camp Chairman, Mr. John Gwoma Haghaya, who both commended the senator’s intervention and acknowledged the sustained humanitarian efforts of Governor Zulum.
The event concluded with the symbolic sharing of meals, colourful traditional dance displays and communal celebrations, leaving the IDPs with renewed hope, a sense of belonging and confidence in the ongoing efforts of Senator Ndume and the Borno State Government to restore dignity and stability to displaced communities.