Borno’s Resettlement Dilemma
The alarming revelations by the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, have cast a spotlight on the precarious situation faced by many communities resettled after years of displacement due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Despite the laudable efforts to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes, the lack of adequate security measures has effectively rendered these resettlements little more than temporary shelters, perpetuating the cycle of displacement and uncertainty.
The Speaker’s accusation that the military has neglected Guzamala LGA, leaving it virtually uninhabitable for residents to return, is a damning indictment of the government’s failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens. The fact that displaced persons from Guzamala exercised their electoral franchise from IDP camps during the 2023 general elections underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for action.
Even more alarming is the revelation that resettled communities in Northern Borno, apart from Monguno town, lack any semblance of security or military presence. This absence of a protective force has effectively transformed these resettlements into soft targets for the very terrorists they were intended to offer refuge from. The Speaker’s account of resettled individuals finding themselves back in IDP camps due to insecurity paints a bleak picture of a vicious cycle of displacement and dashed hopes.
While the state acting governor’s directive to initiate the reconstruction of Gudumbali, the headquarters of Guzamala LGA, is a step in the right direction, it fails to address the core issue of security. Rebuilding infrastructure without ensuring the safety of the inhabitants is akin to erecting a house of cards, susceptible to collapse at the slightest provocation.
The situation in Borno underscores the complex challenges faced by governments in post-conflict regions, where the pursuit of peace and stability is inextricably linked to the provision of security and basic services. Resettlement efforts cannot be mere symbolic gestures; they must be comprehensive, holistic, and grounded in a firm commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the very people they seek to rehabilitate.
As Borno grapples with this resettlement dilemma, it is incumbent upon the authorities to prioritize the security of resettled communities, engage with local populations to understand their needs and concerns and collaborate with all stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions. Only then can the displaced truly experience the comfort of being home, free from the specter of violence and displacement that has haunted them for far too long.
Reference
Borno Speaker Raises Alarm Over Resettled Communities Without Security published in Channel by Wim Bitrus