As Nigeria commemorated 60 years of independence, IDPs in Borno northeast Nigeria  express mixed feelings about the day.

Abubakar Muhammad, an IDP from Marte Local Government Area, in the Lake Chad province, currently taking refuge at Muna camp in Borno State, told our reporter that he is happy as Nigeria celebrates its 60 anniversary today. He also called on government at all levels to restore peace in the northeast region so that they (IDPs) can go back to their communities to start a new life. “Life is very difficult these days, we hardly eat twice a day” Muhammad added.

Aisha Bukar, who is also an IDP, said they should have been in their homes celebrating the day in happiness with their families, but unfortunately they are at IDP camp. She called on the federal and state governments to double their commitment in the fight against violent extremism so that they can return to their ancestral homes.

Zara Mohammed while speaking to Radio Ndarason International said, “I don’t really know what to celebrate; hunger, bad roads, hike in fuel prices, joblessness, darkness, starvation or the recent killings?” She asked.  She added, “we were displaced by Boko Haram six years ago, we are depressed and traumatised, and yet we still cannot return home”.

In his independence speech, the Borno State governor urged the IDPs within and outside the state to continually pray for peace and prosperity. He also charged them to renew individual and communal obligations to be patriotic citizens of Nigeria as the government is committed to the restoration of peace in the northeast region.