Residents Return to Five Kukawa Communities — Chairman
By Ahmed Kaigama
The Executive Chairman of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, Mr Mustafa Mohamed Kukawa, says residents displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency are gradually returning to their ancestral communities following improved security.
Kukawa said residents had so far returned to five major communities, including Kukawa, Baga, Doro, Kekeno and Crosskawa, as well as several surrounding villages.
He disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
According to him, the return of residents is part of the ongoing efforts by the Borno Government to restore normalcy and enable communities affected by more than a decade of insurgency to rebuild their lives.
He said the security situation had improved considerably compared with the situation in previous years, although some challenges remained in remote areas.
“Before, they used to ambush us when we were going, but now that aspect has drastically reduced,” he said.
The chairman said the improved security had encouraged residents to return and gradually resume farming, fishing, trading and other livelihood activities.
He said the council had been supporting security agencies by assisting in the clearing and maintenance of roads affected by improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Kukawa explained that movement to the communities previously required several security escorts because of threats along the routes.
He said security personnel had to screen roads for mines before government officials and other travellers could proceed to the affected communities.
The chairman said the council was also working with relevant authorities to clear waterways to facilitate the revival of fishing activities, particularly around Baga, which was once an important fish market.
He said farmers who had relocated to neighbouring states during the height of the insurgency were also gradually returning to their communities as security improved.
Kukawa disclosed that the council, in collaboration with the state government, had also supported the reopening of schools in communities affected by the insurgency.
He said pupils were being encouraged to return to school through the provision of books, uniforms and meals.
The chairman commended Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum for his efforts toward restoring displaced communities, saying the government’s resettlement drive had encouraged residents to return to their ancestral homes.
He, however, called for sustained security operations and continued government support to consolidate the gains and ensure that more displaced residents returned home.
Kukawa said the return of residents would not only restore family and community life but also accelerate the recovery of agriculture, fishing, education and other economic activities in the local government area.
