Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has been in Niger Republic at the invitation of President Bazoum Muhammadu.
President Bazoum on Thursday hosted Zulum alongside the Governor of Diffa Region, Isa Lameen, Senator Abubakar Kyari and the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, in a closed-door meeting in Diffa town.
A statement by Governor Zulum’s Special Adviser on Media, Isa Gusau, says the meeting focused on the repatriation of Nigerian refugees who fled their communities in different parts of northern Borno State, since 2014, following deadly Boko Haram terrorist attacks.
The meeting held soon after Governors Zulum and Lameen received President Bazoum at the Tandja Mamadou Airport in Diffa.
Diffa is located within proximity to some communities in northern Borno State, that share land borders with Niger Republic.
Government and citizens in both countries have been collaborating on the security and management of refugees, who mostly fled from Mobbar, Monguno and other local government areas in northern Borno State to Diffa. Many trekked during the attacks.
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Zulum who spoke to a journalist shortly after the meeting said, “The outcome was very fruitful, we have taken several decisions, which include, the reparation of Borno citizens back to our communities.
These people have been in Niger for the last 6 years. With significant improvement, regarding our security situation, our people are now looking forward to returning to their communities. We will work with all relevant institutions, to ensure the safe and dignified return of our citizens. We shall do everything possible within our reach, to safely resettle our people, within the shortest possible time.”
Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the Senator representing Borno North, Abubakar Kyari, and the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan along with some top government officials.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
