Former Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), has raised over N40 million for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Borno State and donations are on going.
This was just as he hailed the Borno State Government for its efforts in the ongoing Reconstruction Rehabilitation and Resettlement, RRR, which led to the resettlement of thousands of IDPs back to their ancestral homes in 10 communities of Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.
Senator Ndume, who was in Gwoza during the weekend for a house -to- house condolences to families of those who lost their loved ones on 29th June, 2024 multiple suicide bombings, told newsmen that he was very impressed with his people who displayed resilience, and were busy working on their farmlands while he spent some days in the town.
He donated the sum of N10 million, while his wife, Hajiya Maryam donated N3 million into a dedicated account of Gwoza Concerned Citizens, GCCs, making a total of over N40 million, as the account remained open for contribution(s), which he said would be channeled into resettlement of Gwoza people and to complement efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum-led administration.
The lawmaker thanked those who have contributed their widow’s might to the GCCs’ account, especially the management of Jaiz Bank which donated N10 million, while the member representing Chibok/Gwoza/Damboa Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Jaha equally donated N5 million.
Senator Ndume listed other donors as Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, who donated N3 million, Engr. Zakariya and Hon. Mohammed Tumala donated N1 million each while the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta offered his donation alongside many sons and daughters of Gwoza Local Government Area.
His words: “I want to thank you for finding time to come to my house for solidarity over what has happened to me and my people in Gwoza.
“The incident of multiple suicide attacks which happened in Gwoza town on 29th June, 2024 left over 30 people dead, with dozens injured. Although, I was amongst the entourage of the then Acting Governor, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur immediately after the incident, I decided to personally pay another sympathy visit from house -to- house and condole the bereaved.
“I also used the opportunity and distributed palliatives donated by the North East Development Commission, NEDC, where about 2,000, mostly women and youths who are the vulnerable groups Gwoza.
“I want to specifically appreciate Borno state government under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum who injected huge resources that led to the resettlement of thousands of IDPs back to 10 liberated communities of Gwoza.
“These include not only Gwoza, but Pulka, Limankara, Warabe, Ngoshe, Kirawa, Izge and Bitta. Others are Hambagtha, Modube and Yamtake villages. I am happy to inform you that very soon, the people of Ashgashiya, Wala and other communities would return back to their ancestral homes by Allah’s grace.
“Despite what befell us, i was very much impressed with my people who displayed resilience, they are busy working on their farmlands during my stays with them, and I also thank our security agencies for giving them cover to cultivate their farmlands in this cropping season.
“I thank those who have contributed their widow’s might to the GCCs’ account, where we were able to raise over N40 million, as the window of voluntarily donations are still open to complement Borno State Government in its Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement of our displaced communities.”
Senator Ndume stated that Governor Babagana Zulum has not only resettled displaced people, but has also embarked on a monthly distribution of food and non-food items as palliatives, which is highly commendable.
He listed the 10 resettled communities to include not only Gwoza, but Pulka, Limankara, Warabe, Ngoshe, Kirawa, Izge, Bitta, Hambagtha, Modube and Yamtake villages, even as he said, the people of Ashgashiya, Wala and other communities would return back to their ancestral homes soon.