The Federal Government on Thursday says it is making moves to ensure Internally Displace Persons are returned to their homes in Yobe State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Senior Information Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency, Sani Datti, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
DAtti said in the statement: “Following the liberation of communities occupied by insurgents in Yobe State, the Federal Government, has undertaken assessment of affected areas to facilitate early return of displaced persons to their homes.
“The committee, led by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Abdul Bulama, has officials of the NEMA and Yobe State Emergency Management Agency.”
The statement said the committee had visited the affected communities such as Gujba, Buni yadi, Bumsa, Bara, Buni gari, Katarko, Goniri, Kukuwa, Geidam, Kanamma, Fika, Patiskum, Gulani.
Others are Damaturu, Damagun, Tarmuwa, Yunusufari, and Ngelzarma.
It said the assessment committee was received by the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Ali, on behalf of Governor Ibrahim Geidam.
It said the committee, in a meeting with the Deputy Governor, quoted Bulama as saying that the Federal Government was concerned about the plight of the displaced persons.
Bulama said the government was doing everything possible to enable them return to their homes soon.
He said that the committee discovered through its assessment that the displaced persons and the affected communities required intervention for their immediate, intermediate and future needs.
According to the chairman, the support from the Federal Government was in addition to the relief intervention by NEMA, “which is being distributed to the IDPs”.
The chairman also visited the acting commander of the Nigerian Army 27 Task Force Brigade, Damaturu, Colonel Usman Yusuf.
He conveyed the appreciation of government and the people to the troop’s gallant effort for restoration of security in the communities.
The chairman also conveyed to the traditional and community leaders the assurances of the Federal Government to support the affected persons and communities.
He said that the people should remain calm, cooperate with government and the military in the maintenance of security and peace.
The statement quoted the deputy governor as appreciating the Federal Government for the steps taken to support the return of the IDPs to their homes.
It said that the Brigade Commander told the Committee that the troops had successfully cleared the two local government areas occupied by the insurgents.
It added that it had also combed 15 others communities to ensure that they were safe for displaced residents to return.
The brigade commander urged the people to continue to cooperate with the military for the sustenance of security in the areas.