Emotional scenes in Borno as 306 Nigerians return from Cameroon refugee camps after over a decade, receiving UNHCR and government support

It was an emotional moment in Pulka, Borno State, on Tuesday as 306 Nigerians returned home after spending more than a decade as refugees at the Minawao camp in Maroua, Cameroon.

Also read: Borno Police Recover 912 Rounds of Hidden Ammunition

The returnees were each supported with 200 US dollars by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), while the Federal Government provided food and non-food items expected to last for more than one month.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, further extended support by approving a cash grant of N550,000 for each of the 75 households that voluntarily returned to their ancestral homes.

Emotions ran high as an elderly woman, Mary Luka, offered heartfelt prayers and tributes that moved many dignitaries and onlookers present at the reception ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees shortly after their arrival in Pulka near Gwoza, Luka prayed for lasting peace and stability in Nigeria and urged political leaders at all levels to remain resolute in the fight against terrorism.

“And for us, who were convinced to return to our ancestral home together with our children so they can know their roots, we remain grateful,” she said.

Governor Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, expressed joy over the successful repatriation of the people after 11 years in exile.

“We are very happy. This process started as far back as 2019 when His Excellency, Governor Zulum, visited the refugee camp. Their only wish then was to return home,” Wakilbe said.

He explained that security challenges delayed the return of refugees from Gwoza but noted that peace and improved security had now made the repatriation possible.

“Today, I am pleased that 75 households, comprising about 300 people, have returned to Gwoza. With the peace and tranquillity you have seen, many more will be encouraged to return,” he added.

The commissioner also announced plans to enroll all repatriated children into government schools of their choice, assuring that they would receive free textbooks, uniforms and other educational support.

Also speaking, Tijani Aliyu, Chairman of the Repatriation Technical Committee and Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, described voluntary repatriation as the best global solution for refugees.

“When the situation in a country improves and people voluntarily decide to return home, it shows that peace has truly returned,” Aliyu said.

Also read: UNICEF Empowers 1,033 Conflict-Affected Children in Borno

He added that the Federal Government and the international community were pleased to welcome the people of Gwoza back home, noting that their return marked a significant step towards lasting recovery and stability in the region.