Gov. Zulum revokes allocations on empty estate In Bama, reallocates to homeless IDPs

... Shares food to 25,000 vulnerable 

By Sadiq Abubakar, The Nigerian Voice, Maiduguri
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Borno State Governor, His Excellency, Babagana Umara Zulum on Monday revoked all allocations of houses that have remained unoccupied at Indimi Estate for more than a year, in Bama local government area.

Zulum said since it was obvious that those given the houses do not need them, internally displaced persons, many of whom live in government camps be given, ordering they occupy immediately.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Govenror on Communications and Public Relations Strategy Malam Isa Gusau Tuesday said the Governor gave the order at the Shehu of Bama's palace on Monday, where he spent the entire day looking out for the welfare of IDPs, leading other government officials in the distribution of food and non food items to those in critical need.

The Estate, made up of 100 units of two-bedroom houses, was built by Borno born billionaire business man, Alhaji Muhammad Indimi as part of support to his home state.

The houses which were allocated more than a year ago, have allottees holding on to them without occupying.

"Borno state government has revoked all allocations of houses at Indimi Estate, we cannot tolerate a situation were people claim ownership of those houses while they are living in Maiduguri. Your highness, kindly compile the list of IDPs from Jaudari village, all the houses should be allocated to them” Zulum told his host, Shehu Umar Ibn Kyari Elkanemi.

Governor Zulum later supervised aid distribution to more than 25,000 IDPs and vulnerable members of the host community while in Bama.

The IDPs, now staying in Bama town, were mostly from villages sacked by insurgents in Banki, Gulumba, and Nguro Soye, all in Bama Local Government Area, in Borno Central.

The Governor told the displaced persons that: “I want to sympathize with you, you have been in a very difficult situation. The insurgents have displaced you from your houses and communities, without any means of livelihoods.”

He told them that: “The food items you see here are jointly provided by the Borno State Government and the Federal Government. President Muhammadu Buhari is very compassionate about your plight, may almighty Allah bless him.”

.. Orders reopening of 3 secondary schools
Meanwhile, after his food distribution, Governor Zulum announced plan to reopen three secondary schools in Bama.

This, he said, was to enable primary school pupils continue with their education.

He said: “I will soon come back to Bama, I will personally supervise the enrollment of students. We have to reopen Government Day Secondary School, the Mega School will also be converted to a Secondary School, while a Girls’ Secondary School will be cited in Shettimari Primary School temporarily.”

... Soye, Banki for resettlement of refugees

Gov. Zulum has equally informed the Shehu of Bama of Government's plan to resettle people back to Nguro Soye and Banki towns, all in Bama local government.

"We shall insha Allah resettle Nguro Soye and Banki towns, our people in Menawo and Kirawa all in Cameroon will soon return back to Banki." Zulum said.