Governor Babagana Zulum has formally shut the 10-year -old Muna IDP camp situated in Maiduguri, which is home to over 11,000 individuals.
During the height of the humanitarian emergency caused by the Boko Haram insurgency, the Muna IDP camp emerged as one of the largest refugee sites in the state.
In his statement regarding the closure of the camp, Gov. Zulum pointed to the prevalence of unlawful activities within the camp as a significant reason behind the decision.
The governor stated that “we have observed a troubling increase in prostitution, gang-related violence, occurrences of child exploitation, and many other criminal behaviors within the IDP camp.”
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He stressed that unless there is a proper process for resettlement, the dismantling of Boko Haram will not be feasible, asserting the necessity for individuals to return to their homes and restore their means of income.
Four years ago, Gov. Zulum previously asserted that all 12 sanctioned IDP camps in Maiduguri would be closed, a commitment he has delivered on, with only two unofficial camps still in operation.
He pointed out that by 2024, around 75 percent of the individuals displaced from the Muna camp have been effectively resettled, while the remaining 25 percent are anticipated to return to their previous communities in the imminent future.
The governor conveyed that each of the 6,000 families residing in the camp will be provided with food supplies, shelter materials, and health care services as part of the resettlement programme.
He also announced that every head of household, irrespective of gender, will receive N100,000, alongside an additional N50,000 for all housewives.