The Governor of Yobe State and Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Mai Mala Buni, has visited Nigerian refugees at the Kaya site in Lac Province, Chad, to assess their welfare and living conditions.
During the visit, Gov Buni commended the peaceful coexistence between the refugees, host communities and the Chadian authorities. He urged the displaced persons to remain law-abiding, avoid criminal activity and report any suspicious movements in their areas.
The governor also noted the refugees’ engagement in fishing and farming, describing it as a positive step towards self-reliance. He assured them of continued collaboration between the Nigerian and Chadian governments to support their welfare.
Gov Buni further encouraged those willing to return to Nigeria to liaise with the Lake Chad Basin Commission for proper documentation, stating that state governments would facilitate their repatriation.
The leader of the refugee community, Ba Bulama Usman, welcomed the visit, describing it as the first by a Nigerian government official. He said it had given the community a renewed sense of belonging and hope.
He pledged that the refugees would remain peaceful and cooperate with authorities, while also working with the Lake Chad Basin Commission to identify those interested in returning home.
Earlier, Gov. Buni paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lac Province, Saleh Hagar Tidjani, where he commended Chad for hosting Nigerian refugees and fostering peaceful relations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of both countries, through the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, to strengthening security, stability and economic cooperation in the region, including efforts to reopen waterways to enhance transportation and security operations.
Mr Tidjani described the visit as a sign of strong collaboration aimed at promoting peace and development among member states.
Mr Buni was accompanied by senior officials, including representatives of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force.
