Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has assured the displaced communities affected by insecurity that government is working closely with the Nigerian military hierarchy to provide an immediate humanitarian and long-term support for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Monguno in the state.

Zulum made the pledges on Sunday when he visited displaced persons in Monguno town, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring a dignified resettlement back to their ancestral communities.

While at the Monguno IDP camp, the governor interacted directly with displaced families as women, children and the elderly residents gathered around him, while he listened to their concerns of being displaced by the ongoing insecurity to their lives and property.

“We have examined the situation critically alongside the hierarchy of the Nigerian military, and it has been concluded that we shall provide immediate humanitarian support to these displaced communities, especially in the areas of water, shelter, and sanitation,” said Zulum.

Beyond resettling the thousands of IDPs, the governor added: “Apart from this, we shall also ensure that medium and longer-term sustainable solutions are being adopted, which is acceptable to this community and their ancestral homes.

“We will improve the living conditions of the displaced persons; we will not allow our citizens to endure such hardship without urgent government intervention.”

Zulum, therefore urged the displaced residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities, noting that sustaining peace and security requires collective responsibility.

“Security is everybody’s business. Communities must continue to support security agencies with timely and useful information,” the governor stated.

Zulum further disclosed that there are over 50,000 returnees in Marte, stressing that plans were underway to facilitate the return of more displaced persons to the town as part of the medium and longer-term solution.

He directed the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Local Government, the Commissioner for Internal Security, and the Chairman of Marte Local Government Area to work out the modalities for implementing the recommendations adopted.

The governor sympathized with the people affected by the recent insecurity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them.

As part of the visit, Governor Zulum also met with health workers at the Monguno Eye Hospital, commending them for continuing to provide medical services despite difficult working conditions and limited resources.

He also announced financial support to improve their welfare and encourage greater commitment to healthcare delivery in the area.

The governor also visited the Commanding Officer of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Mairari for a security brief.