Nigerian Governor Pledges Support for Refugee Repatriation from Chad

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has assured Nigerian refugees in Chad of the Nigerian government's commitment to facilitate their return home. During a visit to the Kaya refugee site in Lac Province, Chad, Buni met with refugees to assess their welfare and discuss repatriation efforts.

Governor Buni emphasized that refugees wishing to return to Nigeria should first liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) for proper census and documentation. He stated that once this process is complete, state governments would then facilitate their repatriation to their respective home states. "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 to your respective states," Buni informed the refugees.

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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 to your respective states.

The governor commended the refugees for maintaining peaceful coexistence with their host communities and the Chadian government. He encouraged them to remain law-abiding, avoid criminal activities, and report any suspicious individuals or movements within their communities. Buni also expressed satisfaction with the refugees' engagement in farming and fishing, noting that these activities promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on humanitarian aid.

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You are the only government official from Nigeria to visit us.

Responding to the governor's visit, the leader of the refugee community, Ba-Bulama Usman, described the visit as a significant source of hope, demonstrating that the Nigerian government had not forgotten them. Usman noted that Buni was the only government official from Nigeria to visit them, which provided a "sense of belonging and hope." He pledged the community's cooperation with the LCBC and state governments for the repatriation process.

Earlier, Governor Buni paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lac Province, Saleh Tidjani. Buni expressed gratitude to the Chadian government for hosting Nigerian refugees and fostering peaceful coexistence. He affirmed the commitment of both Nigeria and Chad to maintaining peace, security, and economic cooperation between the two nations.

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You are the only government official from Nigeria to visit us. The visit had given the refugees 'a sense of belonging and hope,' assuring that they would remain law-abiding and continue to pursue peaceful means of livelihood in cooperation with their host communities.