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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Former Senate Leader Senator Ali Ndume has urged the Federal Government to intensify humanitarian assistance to Borno State to facilitate the resettlement, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of communities displaced by over a decade-long insurgency.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the appeal during a Christmas luncheon he hosted for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Borno State. The event was organised in collaboration with the Coalition of Christian Youths (Youth-CAN).
A statement from the senator’s office said the gathering attracted hundreds of displaced persons, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, youth groups and other community stakeholders.
The lawmaker used the occasion to commend Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for what he described as sustained commitment to humanitarian recovery across the state, particularly in communities severely affected by the insurgency.
“Out of the 27 local government areas in Borno State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown uncommon courage, compassion and dedication to Gwoza and other conflict-affected communities,” Ndume said.
Responding to appeals by displaced persons seeking assistance to return to their ancestral homes, the senator assured them that their request would be formally conveyed to the state government.
“It gladdens my heart that you have directly requested my support to facilitate your return home. We will work towards ensuring this happens. We are fortunate to have a governor who genuinely cares for his people, and I will engage him personally on this matter,” he said.
Ndume also pledged to support efforts aimed at facilitating the safe and dignified return of Borno indigenes currently taking refuge at the Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon.
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As part of the Christmas outreach, the senator announced the distribution of 200 bags of rice and cash support to them, while explaining that 30 bags were allocated to Youth-CAN, 20 bags used for the Christmas luncheon, 100 bags distributed to IDPs at the CAN Centre, while 50 bags were shared among IDPs in other camps across the state.
He further disclosed plans to extend similar Christmas engagements to Bayan Dutse, noting that many of the displaced persons originated from communities such as Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Pulka and other parts of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Indigenous Pastors of Borno State, Rev. Waziri Dibal, expressed appreciation to Ndume for organising the luncheon and called for sustained legislative and government intervention to enable displaced persons to return safely to their communities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Borno State Christian Youths, Barrister Ephraim Yidawi, commended the senator for his engagement with Christian youths and urged youth organisations to actively support the repatriation and reintegration of refugees from Cameroon.
Speaking on behalf of the IDPs, Dr Yohana thanked Ndume for the material support and for personally attending the Christmas event, describing his presence as a strong symbol of unity, empathy and inclusion.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the APC Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Luka Apagu Mussa, and the Camp Chairman, Mr John Gwoma Haghaya, who both praised the senator’s intervention and acknowledged the continued humanitarian leadership of Governor Zulum.
The event ended with a communal meal, cultural dance displays and Christmas celebrations, leaving many of the displaced persons expressing renewed hope and confidence in ongoing efforts by both Senator Ndume and the Borno State Government to restore stability and dignity to conflict-affected communities.
