The Borno government says it will close all camps for internally displaced persons (IDP) located within Maiduguri, the state capital, by December 31.

  Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, said this on Friday while addressing state house correspondents at the end of a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

  He said the decision to close the camps in Maiduguri was informed by the recent improvement in the security situation in the state.

  According to him, the state government decided to close the camps to enable displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.

  “I came to brief the president on efforts made by Borno state government in ensuring the return of internally displaced persons to their homes,” he said.

  “So far so good, Borno state government has started well and arrangements have been concluded to ensure the closure of all internally displaced persons’ camps that are inside Maiduguri on or before December 31.”

   According to the governor, the state is collaborating with the federal ministry of humanitarian affairs on arrangements for the safe return of displaced persons currently in Niger and Cameroon.

  “In addition to that, Borno state government is also making efforts, in collaboration with the ministry, to continue with the repatriation of Nigerians in Minawo camp in Cameroon,” he said.

   “Furthermore, on November 27, the Borno state government will ensure the resettlement of IDPs that are living in Diffa province of Niger to Malumfatari, a local government area in Borno, where we don’t have human population because of the insurgency.”

   Zulum also commended security agencies for their support and efforts in the restoration of peace to troubled LGAs of the state.

By Ebunoluwa Olafusi