Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has restated his commitment to helping victims of insurgency rebuild their lives, including thousands of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
He gave this assurance while addressing refugees at the Minawao Camp in Cameroon’s Far North region. More than 12,000 Nigerians from Kirawa, Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, and nearby communities in Gwoza Local Government Area have lived in the camp for over ten years.
During his visit on Sunday, Governor Zulum’s presence brought hope to many refugees, who said it was their “first real assurance” that returning home may soon be possible.
Zulum told them that security in their home communities has improved significantly after years of military operations and security initiatives across Gwoza and other parts of Borno.
He emphasized that caring for refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees is a top priority for his administration, as part of its broader humanitarian and development efforts.
The governor also announced financial support for those willing to return home. Each returning refugee will receive N500,000, while women-led households will get N100,000. He also pledged to drill boreholes to improve water access and support shelter repairs.
The Governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, Mijinyawa Bakari, praised Zulum for his consistent support, describing him as a leader who genuinely cares for his people both at home and abroad.
He said Zulum’s continued interventions at the Minawao Camp have strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon in addressing displacement.
Zulum also visited farmlands provided to the refugees by the Cameroonian government. These farmlands have become their main source of income.
He commended their resilience and promised to support their farming activities with irrigation kits and additional water sources.
“Helping refugees keep their livelihoods is key to restoring dignity and making their return home easier,” he said.
The governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Gwoza House of Assembly member Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, commissioners, the Gwoza Local Government Chairman, and other officials.
