By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem
Governors of states ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency have resolved to close down camps meant for Internally Displaced Persons by May 2017.
Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima made this announcement while briefing State House correspondents after meeting United State Secretary of States, John Kerry in the State House, Abuja on Tuesday.
Shettima said with the relative peace that has returned to most parts of Borno and other affected states , it was safe for Borno indigenes to return home.
He added that the massive number of IDPs taking refuge in Borno state has put pressure on the population of the state.
“The bulk of IDPs are from Borno State, the population of Maiduguri has swelled from two million to three million now.
“And where there is a will there is always a way. Believe me by May 29th, 2017 we want our people to go back to their homes. We are going to marshal whatever resources with or without international support to see that we have restored the dignity of our people.
“We cannot wait for eternity for manna from heaven from international community to develop our communities. In most of the camps there is challenge of early marriages, child prostitution, drug abuse, of gangsterism etc. The sooner we close them down, the better.
“In any case no matter how good life is in the IDP camp there is no place like home. We want to restore their dignity, we are commencing the rebuilding of Bama. By May 29th next year believe me, you will hear very little about IDP camps.
“We will adhere to the Kampala convention we will not compel anyone in IDP camps to go back to their community. But you know our people, they carry their poverty with dignity and they are willing to go back home,” he said.
According to the governor, Kerry also pledged on behalf of his country, to assist the north east states on girl child education,healthcare delivery,renewable energy among other areas.
Other governors at the meeting include Abdulaziz Yari (Zanfara), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) Muhammed Abubakar (Bauchi) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto).
