Boko Haram: NEMA admits challenges resettling 250,000 displaced victims

“Getting displaced persons to return back to their homes can only be done when the crisis is fully over and the security of the people is assured”.

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said on Wednesday that it is facing challenges getting the over 250,000 persons displaced by the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency back to their homes.

The victims were displaced while thousands of others have been killed in attacks by the terror group. A recent report by Amnesty International said at least 1,500 people have been killed in the North East this year. Nigerian soldiers and those of neighbouring countries have been battling to contain and bring an end to the insurgent’s activities for the past three years.

Despite the state of emergency imposed on three most affected northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, the attacks by the terror group has continued.

The northeastern coordinator of NEMA, Mohammed Kanar, told journalists that “getting displaced persons to return back to their homes can only be done when the crisis is fully over and the security of the people is assured”.

Mr. Kanar said even if the agency was ready to build the razed buildings and resettle the people back, it was going to be hard to convince the people to stay as they would likely be afraid of renewed attacks.

Instead, he said, “NEMA is ready to continue to make relief materials available to victims until they are fully rehabilitated.

“We have attended to over 200,000 persons of the total 250,000 persons displaced in the north-east region.”

Mr. Kanar explained that 2,800 out of the over 6000 displaced persons that are presently taking refuge in Maiduguri city will be attended to, this week, during the flag off of direct distribution of relief materials to victims.

He said the 6000 displaced persons found their way into Maiduguri after Boko Haram terrorists attacked their communities in Mafa, Konduga, Bama, Jakana, Alajari, Mainok, Sandiya, Yasku, Kuruk, Maiwa, Kawuri and Malari areas of the state.

“Most of them are presently sheltered at facilities in Maiduguri or living with relatives or friends within the town.