Governor Zulum Raises Concerns Over Voluntary Return of Abducted Women to Bush

By Milcah Tanimu

Borno State Governor, Zulum, has expressed concerns over the voluntary return of some abducted women to the bush, emphasizing the challenges of sustaining the current situation in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The governor made this revelation during a meeting with diplomats, a UN delegation, and development partners in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Governor Zulum disclosed that the exact number of abducted women and girls is yet to be determined, as no official communication has been received in his office. He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining the people in IDP camps, urging immediate support from the diplomatic and development partners present.

While addressing the donor fatigue and reduced support to IDP camps, Zulum highlighted the shift in people’s desire to earn a living independently. He recounted a recent incident in Mafa, his local government, where approximately 500 women demonstrated their unwillingness to stay in IDP camps and expressed their preference to return to the bush.

The governor stressed the need for caution in handling the situation, acknowledging the challenges posed by the changing dynamics and the desire of some individuals to pursue alternative living arrangements outside IDP camps.