By RismadarVoice Media
December 20, 2025
As part of a comprehensive strategy to bolster security, community resilience, and post-conflict recovery, the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has concluded an intensive five-day tour of the state’s Southern Senatorial Zone, with a visit to Nigerian refugees in Cameroon.
The tour, from December 4th to 9th, focused on four cardinal objectives: fulfilling the governor’s constitutional mandate as Chief Security Officer; building the absorptive capacity of communities to withstand terror-inflicted shocks; developing long-term resilience; and coordinating reconstruction efforts in secured areas.
According to Gov. Zulum’s Spokesperson, Malam Dauda Iliya, the Governor began his mission in Warabe, Gwoza, offering condolences and prayers to families who recently lost loved ones, he then proceeded to Askira-Uba, where he spent a night coordinating security responses and formulating enhanced protection frameworks for vulnerable communities. In meetings with the Emirs of Askira and Uba, he underscored the critical role of traditional institutions and community involvement in sustaining peace.
He added that in Chibok, the governor met with grieving families, condemning recent attacks.
“We are here to show our sorrow. God willing, we will provide a permanent solution”, Zulum stated.
He announced immediate financial assistance of N1m to bereaved families and N500,000 to those whose properties were destroyed. He reiterated that enhanced security measures are being implemented in collaboration with federal agencies.
Addressing troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Governor Zulum, who commended them for their sacrifices said: “We are behind you. You have been doing very well”.
He later highlighted the direct link between security and development, pointing to newly constructed hospitals and schools as evidence of progress returning to stabilized areas.
In a significant humanitarian move, Governor Zulum crossed into Cameroon’s Far North Region to visit the Minawao Refugee Camp, hosting over 12,000 Nigerians from Borno.
He also delivered a message of hope, declaring the “road home is open” and announcing a repatriation support package.
The Governor announced that each refugee household willing to return will receive N500,000 for shelter rehabilitation, with female-headed households receiving an additional N100,000. He also pledged to drill boreholes for returnee communities and provide irrigation kits to support agricultural livelihoods developed in exile.
Cameroon’s Far North Region Governor, Mijinyawa Bakari, praised Zulum’s “exemplary and deeply humanitarian commitment”, noting that his hands-on support strengthens bilateral cooperation on displacement and regional stability.
It was gathered that throughout the tour, Governor Zulum emphasized that the path to lasting peace is “paved with courage, compassion, and long-term vision,” rather than force alone.
Also, the tour reinforces his administration’s core agenda: intertwining security, human resilience, and sustainable development to rebuild Borno from the rubble of terrorism.
