No fewer than 10, 000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who are non-Yobe indigenes currently taking refuge at the Kukareta town outskirts of Damaturu the Yobe state capital, have opted to permanently reside in the state.
Speaking through the village head of Kukareta of Damaturu Local Government Area Lawan Babagana, the IDPs are of the opinion that the Boko Haram insurgents are still operating in some communities within their ancestral homes hence, they have opted to stay in Yobe state permanently.
Kukareta town has for the past four years witnessed unprecedented visitors displaced by the Boko Haram insurgents.
Over 18, 000 households have within the period been hosted by the Kukareta community and the Yobe state government.
However, with the relative peace being enjoyed in most of the north east states bedeviled by the Boko Haram insurgents, the population of IDPs in the community is said to have reduced from over 18,000 to about 10,261 households.
Babagana told Channels Television that the IDPs have continued to receive news of pockets of attack within their ancestral homes, hence there is no need to return as their safety is not guaranteed.
He said the facilities initially provided by the state government, Non-Governmental Organisations among other philanthropists such as; schools, healthcare facilities and water supply, are still functional hence their stay in the community will not in any way over-stretch the existing facilities.
He also stated that he had taken the matter to the Yobe state government through the Damaturu Local Government as well as the Damaturu Emirate Council as the Ministry of Lands and Survey has been assigned to take stock of the land requirements for their settlement.
Secretary to the Yobe state Government, Baba Malam-Wali also addressing the issue, said the government has been adequately briefed on the desire and requirements of the IDPs and according to him, efforts are being made to hasten their settlements.
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