Yobe gov’t seeks UN help to repatriate refugees from Niger
The Yobe State Government has sought the intervention of the federal government and international partners – UNHCR, IOM and UNDF – to support its efforts in repatriating Nigerian refugees from neighbouring countries. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State stated this on Monday when the Assistant Secretary Generals representing UNDF, IOM, and UNHCR paid him […]
yobe state government
The Yobe State Government has sought the intervention of the federal government and international partners – UNHCR, IOM and UNDF – to support its efforts in repatriating Nigerian refugees from neighbouring countries.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State stated this on Monday when the Assistant Secretary Generals representing UNDF, IOM, and UNHCR paid him a courtesy call in Government House, Damaturu.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Idi Barde Gubana, said the repatriation and integration of refugees that fled the Boko Haram crisis to Niger Republic, became necessary after the restoration of normalcy in their communities.
He further said the state government will ensure that returnees have access to housing, livelihood, and social services upon arrival.
“The Yobe State government is calling on the UNHCR, IOM, and other partners to join hands with us and the federal government of Nigeria, to support the safe and dignified return of Nigerian refugees from Niger Republic and other neighbouring countries.
“This proposed framework will be anchored on a state action plan to ensure that returnees have access to housing, livelihoods, and social services upon arrival,” he said.
Daily Trust gathered that the refugees who are indigenes of Yobe have been displaced for almost 10 years as a result of insurgents’ attacks on their communities.
Earlier, the United Nations Nigeria Resident Coordinator Nigeria, Mohamed M. M. Fall, who led the delegation said they were in Yobe to witness firsthand the progress being made on durable solutions to the Internal displacement.