By Dauda R Pam Maiduguri
Borno state Government has relocated 525 households to their ancestral homes in Marte the headquarters of Marte local government area, in an attempt to restore civil authority and resettlement at the grass roots level.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of thousands of IDP returnees in Marte, Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, said, ” I urge you to pray for the sustainability of peace in our land and also co-operate with the security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety of live and property.”
Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, added ” you should report any suspicious movement and objects to the security agencies. The Borno state government is committed to the rebuilding of your destroyed houses and also provide you with livelihood support to pick up your farming and business activities.”.
Flagging off the distribution of palliatives to the returnees, he said ” today every household is taking home a bag of rice, a bag of grains, cooking oil, Maggi cubes, blanket, mattresses, bucket, plastic cup, plate, clothing materials, mat and the sum of N20,000 cash among others.”.
Earlier, the chairman of Marte relocation committee, Engr Mustapha Gubio, said ” we embarked on the massive reconstruction of houses, here in Marte and thank God just within one month we have completed 80 percent of the houses in CBDA quarters here in New Matte and today we are witnessing the return of 525 households. They are going to stay here for some time for us to complete the renovation of their houses in old Marte and move them in, before we bring another set of people in phases”
While appreciating the commitment of Borno state government in relocating the IDPs, Engr Gubio commended the military, other sister security agencies, and the local government stakeholders for their support and cooperation .
Also a member representing Marte at the State House of Assembly, Hon Gambomi Marte, said ” this is a happiest day for us the people of Marte, as it is first time our people are returning home after 7 years in the camps. We appreciate the state government for relocating them. You know we the people of Marte are farmers and are good in not only dry and wet season farming but also firgi farming. We believe very soon our people will pick up the pieces of their livelihoods.”
“The government is going to support them with farm implements, seeds and other livelihood support to pick up their activities. When you come in the next two weeks you will see changes”, Hon. Marte added.
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