Displaced Borno indigenes return home after years of sojourn in Yobe

The safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Maiduguri, Borno State, has commenced in Yobe State, with authorities focusing on protecting women and children, who make up the majority of those moving back home.

The relocation is being coordinated by the Security Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), with support from the Director of Search and Rescue at SEMA and security agencies.

As of Tuesday morning, IDPs from the Water Board facility and the Roundabout axis along Maiduguri Road began their journey from Damaturu, following earlier expressions of readiness to return.

The Yobe State Government provided free transportation and full security escorts to facilitate the movement.

According to officials coordinating the exercise, 1,295 individuals have so far been safely transported to Maiduguri.

The bulk of those returning are women and children under the age of 14, highlighting the vulnerability of the displaced population.

It was observed that security personnel deployed along the route maintained order and boosted confidence among the returnees.

“Profiling of the remaining IDPs is ongoing.

“In Kasaisa village, 93 households comprising 547 individuals have been registered,” an official said.

Some IDPs in Kasaisa, during interactions, said: “We are excited to return to our ancestral homes in Borno State.”

The provision of free transport and security has eased the burden on displaced families and brought relief as the state government pushes to reintegrate them safely.