Internally displaced persons (IDPs), who fled from Gajibo Village in the Dikwa Local Government Area because of persistent deadly attacks by insurgents, have been given permission to return to their ancestral land by the Borno State government, which has even promised to give them land to build 500 housing units where they will be able to live in relevant comfort compared with the congested IDP camps they have had to get used to.
The insurgency was first started by the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), better known as Boko Haram, in 2009 and continued with even more vicious attacks when the group splintered and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was formed.
The ferocious attacks by both groups resulted in more than two million people in northeast Nigeria – particularly in Borno State which was the epicentre of the insurgency – fleeing from their ancestral lands to safer areas where they were housed in congested IDP camps or with host communities.
Since the attacks had largely abated – although they are continuing in some areas, especially in those hard to access – the government has gradually allowed IDPs to return to their own communities.
IDPs told RNI reporter Rukayya Ahmed Alibe that the government had promised to give them land for 500 housing units and to donate ₦100,000 to each household so that they could begin building houses in the village.
Abubakar Dikwa, who is originally from Gajibo Village, said the IDPs were excited and welcomed the idea of returning to their ancestral land. Most of them had been living in IDP camps for at least seven years.
“We were always waiting for the government to give us permission to leave. But we might have to leave before the housing units are built because the farming period is approaching and we cannot wait for the building to be done. But, in the meantime, we can set up camps and start farming again. We are all very eager to get back to Gajibo.”
He said: “The government told us it will help us to build 500 housing units and it will give each household ₦100,000 to buy building materials. They will supply zinc and wood to kick-start the construction. The community has been told that we will get ₦50,000 to start building before the fasting period which starts in less than a week. The remaining money will be given to us after the fasting period.”
Abubakar Dikwa said he was delighted that Gajibo had been chosen as one of the villages to which people could return. “We feel proud and privileged. And we can’t wait to get back to our lands. We have also been assured that our village has good security.”
Modu Gajibo said: “We have never been happier. Everybody wants to get back home as soon as possible. We are also happy the government is helping us to build our own houses. It’s very good news.”
AISHA JAMAL
