By Abdul Kareem

MAFA, Nigeria — The Lake Chad Governor’s Forum has pledged unwavering support for the reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State, marking a significant step towards stability in the insurgency-ravaged region.

Chairperson of the forum, Ildjima Abdramane, Governor of Hadjer-Lamis state of Chad, led a high-level delegation to assess the resettlement, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts. During her visit to Mafa town on Thursday, Abdramane expressed deep concern for the IDPs affected by the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency, yet welcomed the returning peace.

“We have seen your situations and we are so much concerned on the situation on ground,” Abdramane stated, as she addressed inmates at IDP camps in Mafa and Maiduguri. 

Ildjima Abdramane, Governor of Hadjer-Lamis,

The forum plans to convene its next regional governors’ meeting on regional stabilization on October 18 to bolster security cooperation and mobilize global support for sustainable solutions. “The aim of the visit is part of the preparation of our conference, and we will call and seek international organizations to solve your problems,” she added.

Abdramane had earlier, during a courtesy call, commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his dedication to restoring Borno State. “We have visited so many places but we have not seen a dedicated governor like your own,” she praised.

She said the visit to Borno was as a pivotal move towards achieving peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin region, raising hopes for a peaceful resolution and enhanced regional cooperation.

Governor Zulum had commended the Forum chairperson for her dedication even as he urged her to take her time to visit several intervention sites for a more immersive experience and appreciation of the situation on ground. 

The visiting Governor of Hadjer-Lamis was accompanied by a retinue of delegates both Chad and Nigeria, as led by Hajiya Yabawa Kolo the Coordinator of RSS in Borno State.