Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State governor
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to facilitating the safe and voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees currently residing in the Republic of Chad.
The assurance was detailed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Damaturu by Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, the Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the governor.
The announcement followed Governor Buni’s visit on Tuesday to the Kaya refugee site in the Lac Province of Chad, where he evaluated the living conditions and welfare of the displaced citizens.
During his address, Governor Buni advised refugees wishing to return to Nigeria to coordinate with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to undergo proper census and registration.
He confirmed that individual state governments would handle the logistics of repatriating registered citizens back to their home states.
Key highlights from the Governor’s visit and inter-governmental discussions include:
Lawful Conduct and Vigilance: Buni praised the refugees for maintaining peaceful relations with their Chadian host communities. He urged them to stay law-abiding, avoid criminal involvement, and report any suspicious activities or security threats to local authorities.
Self-Reliance through Livelihoods: Expressing satisfaction with the refugees’ involvement in local farming and fishing activities, the governor noted that these efforts promote self-reliance and reduce reliance on emergency humanitarian aid.
Regional Cooperation: Buni reaffirmed that the Federal Government of Nigeria will maintain close collaboration with Chadian authorities regarding refugee welfare and security.
As part of the official visit, Governor Buni held bilateral talks with the Governor of Lac Province, Gen. Saleh Tidjani. Buni commended the Chadian government for hosting Nigerian settlers and refugees, highlighting the shared commitment of both nations to sustaining peace, security, and economic stability across the border.
Furthermore, Buni underscored the implementation of decisions reached during the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, particularly plans to reopen regional waterways. Opening these aquatic routes aims to enhance security joint operations while easing the transit of commercial goods and services.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the displaced population, refugee community leader Ba-Bulama Usman described the visit as a vital source of hope, noting that Buni was the first Nigerian government official to visit their site in Lac Province.
Usman pledged the community’s full cooperation with the LCBC to assist in registering all individuals seeking voluntary repatriation.
Governor Buni’s delegation to Chad included prominent regional and military officials, including LCBC Executive Secretary Amb. Ibrahim Babani, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Force Commander Maj.-Gen. S.T. Audu, and the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje.
