The welfare of Nigerian refugees in Chad has come under renewed attention following a visit by Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum, Mai Mala Buni, to the Kaya refugee site in Lac Province.
Buni assessed the condition of the refugees and commended their peaceful coexistence with host communities and the Chadian government. He urged the refugees to remain law-abiding, shun crime and report suspicious persons or movements in the area.
The governor also praised their involvement in fishing and farming, saying it would make them more self-reliant.
“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”.
Buni also urged those willing to return home to register with the Lake Chad Basin Commission for possible repatriation.
“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 their respective states”.
Leader of the refugee community, Ba Bulama Usman, thanked Buni for the visit, saying it had renewed their sense of belonging and hope.
“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”.
Buni had earlier met with the Governor of Lac Province, General Saleh Hagar Tidjani, and commended Chad for accommodating Nigerian refugees. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum to strengthening security, transportation and economic cooperation across the region.
“Nigeria and Chad would strive to maintain and sustain the peaceful coexistence and security between the two countries.
“We are committed to opening the waterways to enhance transportation for security operations and transportation of goods and services. We will pursue this with vigour to improve the lives of our people”, he assured.
The governor described the visit as an important step towards strengthening security, stability and economic growth across the Lake Chad region.
