Zulum Directs Shutdown Of Bama IDP Camp, Shifts Focus To Gwoza

According to Ireporter Online, the governor issued the directive on Thursday in Gwoza after an assessment visit to the Government Secondary School IDP camp, where he also disclosed that the Gwoza camp would be shut down within the next two to three weeks.

Zulum explained that the decision followed a comprehensive screening exercise conducted among displaced persons in both Bama and Gwoza.

“We visited Bama yesterday and supervised the screening of IDPs. By noon today, the Bama IDP camp should be closed. We have also profiled residents in Gwoza, and Insha Allah, this camp will be closed in the next two or three weeks,” he said.

He attributed the development to the relative peace restored in several communities previously affected by Boko Haram insurgency, noting that government had successfully resettled displaced persons in areas across Bama Local Government, including Darajamal, Nguro Soye, Goniri, Banki, Abbaram, Ngoshe, Kirawa, and Warabe.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a safe and sustainable return programme for displaced residents, while expressing concern over increasing criminal activities within some camps.

Zulum warned that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements had begun infiltrating displacement facilities, describing the situation as a major security risk requiring urgent action.

“There is ongoing criminality in the camps. We have identified those involved and will return them to their communities under the supervision of their local leaders,” he added.

He also raised concerns over instances where some individuals allegedly abandoned their communities and returned to IDP camps to benefit from relief materials distributed by humanitarian organisations, a development he said was uncovered during the screening process.

Zulum noted that the discovery of “fake IDPs” had made it increasingly difficult to sustain the camp system, adding that more IDP camps across the state would be closed before the end of his administration.

He assured that the resettlement process would remain structured and sustainable, with continued government support for communities receiving returnees.