By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)
The issue of resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is a major subject of discussion at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum.
The discussion took centre stage in a panel discussion on Wednesday, where panelist from Lake Chad member states, highlighted key areas of focus and initiative they design in their countries to address the challenge.
In his contribution, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni said that his government is looking at resettlement of IDPs as a multidimensional approach.
He explained that several issues need to be looked at in the process.
Issues such as the provision of necessary infrastructures like drinking water, health facilities and educational facilities and other means of livelihood, he said most be considered before resettling the IDPs.
Also, the governor said that there are IDPs willing to stay back in the city and other host communities to continue their lives, noting that infrastructure needed to accommodate them in those locations needs to be considered as well.
Starting further, Buni said his government is implementing a policy that will ensure the return of the IDPs back to their communities with divinity, adding that their will most equally be respected.
“Some of the IDP don’t want to go back because they’ve seen a new life in the city, something they never experienced before and are not willing to go back to their former communities, that is also a problem.
“Nobody has chosen to be an IDP, with the support of our partners and donors we will ensure we return those who are willing to go back to their respective communities with dignity,” Buni said.
Hosted by Yobe State Government, the forum started on Monday and expected to end tomorrow Friday.
