10,000 IDPs left homeless as Gov. Zulum orders camp closure

BORNO, Nigeria - No fewer than 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State have been left without homes after Governor Babagana Zulum ordered the closure of their camp, necessitating their search for alternative shelter. 

The closure, which is set to occur in two weeks, may leave many individuals with no place to go, as some have not yet found permanent housing outside the camp.

According to Zulum, this decision is in line with his administration’s goal to phase out all IDP camps in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, a task he has largely accomplished, having shut down over a dozen camps since he took office.

During his visit to the camp on Monday, the governor stated that this closure, which impacts a predominantly female and child population, represents another important step in the state’s shift from emergency humanitarian aid to long-term recovery and resettlement.

While speaking to the crowd, Zulum mentioned that 75 percent of the camp’s residents had already been resettled.

He also assured those remaining that the government would provide assistance to help improve their livelihoods as they prepare to return to their communities.

The governor further emphasized his administration’s dedication to restoring dignity and sustainable living for the displaced individuals.