22/03/2026
CHAIRMAN, BAMA RECONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE AND STATE CHAIRMAN, SUB-COMMITTEE ON RESETTLEMENT, VISITS REFUGEE RETURNEES IN BANKI
Today Saturday, 21st March 2026, the Chairman of the Bama Reconstruction Committee and State Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Repatriation , Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, paid a visit to refugee returnees in Banki who were recently repatriated from Minawoa Camp, Cameroon, after six weeks of resettlement.
The Chairman was accompanied by the District Head of Banki, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Umar, Hon. Mohammed Tijjani (Africana), and Hon. Abba Kolo Kumshe, SSA on Security. During the visit, Engr. Wakilbe toured the 450 housing units constructed for the returnees and engaged directly with the beneficiaries to assess their living conditions and identify any challenges they are currently facing.
In his interaction with the returnees, Engr. Wakilbe emphasized the commitment of the Borno State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to ensure that all promises made regarding their safe return, resettlement, and reintegration are fully honored. He assured them that necessary support systems are being put in place, including the immediate enrollment of their children into schools and the allocation of farmland ahead of the upcoming rainy season to enable them to rebuild their livelihoods.
The returnees expressed deep appreciation for the visit, which came shortly after the Eid celebrations, describing it as timely and reassuring. They conveyed their gratitude to the State Government, particularly His Excellency Governor Zulum, for facilitating their safe and dignified return, providing decent housing, and extending comprehensive resettlement support packages.
They further reaffirmed their determination to rebuild their lives and communities, noting that after years of displacement, they are now ready to move forward and contribute meaningfully to the development of their area.