The Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, said federal government has approved the construction of 10,000 housing units to fast track Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) programme in the war-tone state.
Zulum, who spoke on Sunday when members of the Borno/Yobe Elders Forum-Residents of Abuja paid him a courtesy visit in Maiduguri, said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the project as part of a comprehensive programme to accelerate recovery and peace restoration process in the state.
“The federal government’s interventions in the areas of humanitarian support and rebuilding efforts have been magnanimous. We appreciate the special interest of the president in the peace, security and post insurgency reconstruction of the state.
“I am most pleased to bring to your kind notice that President Muhammadu Buhari had last week approved the construction of 10,000 houses in Borno state. Despite the successes recorded in the counter insurgency campaign, we still have challenges; one of the greatest challenge is the displacement of communities, means of livelihood, education both western and Islamic education, our capacities have been reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
Zulum added that the state government had supported the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and vigilantes to complement federal government effort to root out remnants of the insurgents and restore peace in the state.
He noted that the forum would promote unity and social cohesion to bring a lasting peace in the region.
Blueprint reports that the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Bunu, had earlier said the forum was established to enhance humanitarian intervention to persons affected by conflict and address social and economic destruction caused by the insurgency.
Bunu said the forum had distributed food and non-food items to displaced persons on two different occasions in Borno and Yobe states.
He lauded the military, state governments, religious and community leaders for the successes recorded in counter insurgency campaign, resettlement and peace restoration progarmmes.
While sympathizing with families and victims of the recent insurgents’ attack at Auno and other communities in the state, Bunu called for prayers to end insurgency and restore peace and stability in the country.
