Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State spoke on Sunday about how he’s tried his hardest to help people who had to leave their homes (called internally displaced persons or IDPs) and others who are struggling.
He talked about some IDPs who said they might join a group called terrorists because life is tough for them.
Zulum wasn’t happy about this. He told the IDPs in Mafa that going back to the forest is not a good idea because there might not be another chance for them.
He said, “Yesterday, I heard that some IDPs in Dikwa said they’ll go back to the bush because we couldn’t give them enough food. This afternoon, others in Mafa said the same thing.”
He explained that his government has been providing food and other things to IDPs and vulnerable people for years.
But he admitted that it’s really hard to help everyone, especially with the tough times not just in Borno State, but in all of Nigeria and even worldwide.
Zulum said his government has spent a lot of money, about N40bn, on food and other things for the people of Borno State.
He also mentioned that no government, whether state or federal, can give food to everyone all the time.
He mentioned that the situation has gotten a bit better because some people can now work on farms and earn money.
He said that about 80% of the people at the gathering have access to farmland and have probably grown crops and harvested them.
“We distributed food to IDPs and vulnerable communities every quarter. However, with the improvement in the security situation, we decided to reduce the number of our distribution because people have started earning their livelihood.
“Most of you here (more than 80%) now have access to agricultural land, and I believe you have cultivated your farmlands and harvested your farm products.
Zulum also talked about how both the state and federal governments spend a lot of money on security to keep everyone safe. He thanked the federal government for helping Borno State achieve some peace.
Zulum warned the IDPs that they shouldn’t think life in the forest is better than where they are now. He said they’re welcome to go if they want, but his government won’t support any troublemaking.
