Buni visits Nigerian refugees in Kaya, Chad

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni visited Nigerian refugees at the Kaya site in Lac Province, Republic of Chad, on Wednesday. The visit aimed to assess the welfare of the refugees and foster a sense of belonging.

During his visit, Governor Buni commended the peaceful coexistence between the Nigerian refugees, their Chadian hosts, and the Chadian government. He encouraged the refugees to remain law-abiding, avoid criminal activities, and report any suspicious infiltrations. Buni expressed satisfaction with the refugees' engagement in fishing and farming, emphasizing that these activities promote self-reliance.

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This visit has given us a sense of belonging and hope. We will remain law-abiding and pursue our means of livelihood peacefully with the host communities and with respect to the laws of the land.

The leader of the refugee community, Ba Bulama Usman, expressed deep appreciation for the governor's visit, stating that Buni was the first Nigerian government official to visit them. "This visit has given us a sense of belonging and hope," Usman said, assuring the governor that the refugees would remain law-abiding and respect the laws of Chad. He also confirmed their willingness to collaborate with the Lake Chad Basin Commission for repatriation processes.

Governor Buni assured the refugees that the Nigerian government would continue to partner with Chad to ensure their welfare. He also advised those willing to return home to coordinate with the Lake Chad Basin Commission for census and subsequent repatriation by their respective state governments. Buni was accompanied by several senior officials, including the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

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For those of you willing to return home, you should liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to take the census, while the state governments repatriate you back to your respective states.