The Borno State government in collaboration with the Victims Support Fund (VSF) have relocated a total of 11,610 households of displaced persons (IDPs) back to their ancestral local government area after eight years of exile.

The Executive Director of VSF, Prof. Nana Tanko told newsmen at the official closing of the Gubio IDP camp in Maiduguri on Thursday, saying those returnees are from 8 local government areas of the state.

She noted that the decision to close the Gubio camp in Maiduguri and return the IDPs to their ancestral homes was following the return of peace in their LGAs.

“We are developing three years strategy plan in Borno State, we are focusing on LGAs where we taking the IDPs, and we are starting implementation in January.

“We have a livelihood to support them even though we are giving them grants to head of household with #100,000 and married women are equally getting #50,000.

“The second pillar is education, we are working to make sure that the schools are functional, the teachers are there and they are adequately trained”.

“We are making that the children have education materials, the community are sensitised to prioritise the education of their children”.

“The state government has already committed to giving them housing, sanitary and wash activities there.

“VSF is working closely with the Borno State government and military to make the safety and security of the returnees in their ancestral communities.

She noted that the VSF is working to give the returnees business skills and training that would help them in farming, food processing, and fishing among other things when they return to their ancestral homes.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Borno State Umar Usman Kadafur has said that the state government is committed to facilitating the safe return of IDPs back their ancestral communities.

Kafafur said their decision was informed by the recent improvements in the security situation in

the LGAs include Marte, Konduga, Kukawa, Ngala, Kala Balge, Guzamala, Monguno and Gwoza.

“We have also a lot of partners who partner with the state government, especially the victims’ support fund, and the vice chairman is here with us to see the return of the IDPs back their original homes.

“The security agencies are making sure that all the communities are safe for the returnees and we have to get clearance from the security agencies before returning the IDPs, we provide basic amenities which will support them to continue their livelihood.” Hon. Kadafur said.

It was gathered each household of the returnees got #100,000, a bag of rice, granded maize, mattresses, clothes, cooking oil, a blanket, and among other items.