Zulum, Humanitarian Officials In Cameroon For Repatriation Of 9,800 Refugees

The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum and some officials of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, are presently in Cameroon for the repatriation of 9,800 Nigerians of Borno origin.

Naija News gathered that the 9,800 Nigerians constitute the first batch of 46,000 Nigerians taking refuge in Minawao camp and are ready to move to resettlement houses built by Borno Government in Bama and Banki towns.

The media aide to the Borno State Governor, Isa Gusau, noted that his principal arrived in Cameroon on Tuesday evening.

Gusau noted that Governor Zulum led delegates from Nigeria to a meeting on the repatriation agreement signed between Nigeria, Cameroon and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, which is to hold in Marwa in far north Cameroon. Governor of Cameroon’s far north, Mijinyawa Bakare is to host the meeting.

Before travelling to Cameroon, Zulum has had series of meetings with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, the federal commission, National Commission and with relevant ambassadors with all meetings aimed at following all established procedures towards lawful repatriation.

“Today’s meeting is in line with provisions of the tripartite agreement which has spelt out international best practices on humanitarian issues involving movements of persons between two or more countries as well as roles and limitations of all parties, and the protection of the rights of refugees who can only be repatriated at their own will.”

Majority of refugees at the Minawao refugee camp, who are mostly from Borno State, have regularly appealed to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to spearhead their repatriation to safe and rebuilt communities in Borno in order to return to a decent living.

In September 2019, Zulum during his trip to the camp promised citizens that he would in response to their appeal, work with stakeholders towards their successful reparation and dignified resettlement.