Expect End To Insurgency Soon, Buhari Tells North East Residents

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday assured residents of the North East that the defeat of Boko Haram insurgents would soon be achieved.

The Nigerian leader reaffirmed his conviction that the North East region will enjoy peace and stability, saying that the military is doing its possible best to win the war against insurgency.

Buhari assured the residents of the region that the nefarious activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) will definitely be curtailed – making it the fourth time the President has promised to end the war against insurgency.

The President vowed that the region will witness a shift away from a protracted insurgency to peacebuilding, stabilization, and ultimately development in the coming months.

He said: ”At the advent of this administration in 2015, I pledged to Nigerians that I will restore peace in the north-east and return it to the path of development and growth. I remain committed to this promise.

”To the people of the north-east, particularly the children and future of the north-east, we will never forget you and your courage, sacrifice and endurance have been exemplary.

”I pledge to you that in the coming months you will begin to witness a shift away from a protracted insurgency to peace building, stabilization, and ultimately development in your respective communities as we embark on a revised approach to addressing this conflict — a return to normalcy.”

Naija News reports that Buhari made the submission during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) in the North East.

Buhari said the committee will develop a three-year action plan and implement it for the repatriation, return, resettlement of IDPs and restoration of livelihoods in the region.

The President added that the plan which should be ready by March 2022, will also incorporate national and state-level plans towards the restoration of peace.

He said: “The committee will also develop and implement a phased plan for the repatriation, returns, resettlement of IDPs and restoration of livelihoods, incorporating global best practices that give dignity to the affected populations.

“They will also be responsible for the development and implementation of a coordinated peace building and reconciliation programme that is culturally appropriate and community-driven.

“The committee is also saddled with the responsibility of strengthening collaboration with key donors, development partners and private sector organisations that are critical to the mobilisation of resources and implementation of programmes.”