The safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Maiduguri, Borno State, has officially begun from Yobe State, with special emphasis on protecting women and children, who constitute the majority of those returning. The relocation, coordinated by the Security Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), is being supported by the Director of Search and Rescue at SEMA and various security agencies. As of Tuesday morning, IDPs from the Water Board facility and the Roundabout axis along Maiduguri Road started their journey from Damaturu, following their earlier expressed willingness to return home.
The Yobe State Government has ensured a smooth and secure return by providing free transportation and full security escorts for the displaced persons. This initiative has already seen 1,295 individuals safely transported to Maiduguri, marking a significant step in the reintegration process. The majority of those returning are women and children under the age of 14, underscoring the fragile nature of the displaced population and the need for careful, protective measures.
Security personnel were deployed along the entire route to maintain order and reassure the returnees. Their presence has boosted confidence among the IDPs, many of whom have been displaced for years due to insecurity in the Northeast. Officials coordinating the exercise confirmed that profiling of the remaining IDPs is ongoing, with 93 households—comprising 547 individuals—already registered in Kasaisa village.
In Kasaisa, some IDPs expressed joy and relief during interactions with officials. “We are excited to return to our ancestral homes in Borno State,” one returnee said, reflecting the emotional and cultural significance of the journey. The provision of free transport and security has significantly eased the burden on displaced families, offering them hope and dignity during a critical phase of their lives.
The state government’s commitment to safe reintegration continues to gain momentum, with efforts focused on ensuring that returnees are not only physically safe but also supported in rebuilding their lives. The movement of IDPs back to Maiduguri is part of a broader strategy to restore normalcy and stability in the region. As more families prepare to return, authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that every step is taken with care and coordination.
This return marks a turning point in the long struggle for peace and resettlement in the Northeast. With continued support from state and federal agencies, the hope is that more IDPs will soon be able to reclaim their homes and resume their lives in safety and security.
Leave a Comment