Yobe Governor Visits Nigerian Refugees in Chad, Assesses Welfare

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni traveled to Kaya, Chad, to visit Nigerian refugees, assessing their welfare and commending the peaceful relations between the refugees and their Chadian hosts. The visit, disclosed by the Governor's Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, aimed to address the refugees' situation.

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This makes you more resourceful and less dependent, assuring that the Nigerian government would continue to partner the Chadian government on the welfare of the refugees.

Governor Buni advised the refugees to remain law-abiding and vigilant against infiltration. He expressed satisfaction with their engagement in fishing and farming, noting it fosters self-reliance. He assured continued partnership between the Nigerian and Chadian governments for refugee welfare. For those wishing to return to Nigeria, he directed them to coordinate with the Lake Chad Basin Commission for census and repatriation.

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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.

Ba Bulama Usman, the leader of the refugee community, welcomed Governor Buni, calling him the first Nigerian government official to visit them. He stated the visit instilled a sense of belonging and hope. Bulama Usman pledged that the refugees would remain law-abiding, peacefully pursue their livelihoods, and respect local laws. He also confirmed their collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to identify returnees and inform their state governments.

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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 governor was accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Force Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force. Earlier, Governor Buni met with the Governor of Lac Province, Gen. Saleh Hagar Tidjani, praising Chad's hospitality and the harmonious coexistence between Nigerians and local communities. He emphasized the commitment to maintaining peace and security between Nigeria and Chad, and to executing plans for sustainable peace, security, and economic growth in the region.

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Nigeria and Chad would strive to maintain and sustain the peaceful coexistence and security between the two countries.