Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum is in Niger Republic on the invitation of President Bazoum Muhammadu.
President Bazoum, hosted Zulum alongside Governor of Diffa region, Isa Lameen, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan to a closed door meeting in Diffa town.
The meeting focused on repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Borno, who fled communities in different parts of northern Borno, since 2014, over attacks by insurgents.
The meeting held soon after governors Zulum and Lameen received President Bazoum at Tandja Momadou Airport in Diffa.
Diffa is located within close proximity to some communities in northern Borno while a number of communities in northern Borno State share land borders with Niger republic.
Government and citizens in both countries have been collaborating on securities and management of refugees who mostly fled from Mobbar, Monguno and other local government areas in northern Borno to Diffa. Many trekked during attacks.
Zulum spoke to newsmen shortly after the meeting.
The outcome is very fruitful, we have taken a number of decisions, which includes the reparation of Borno citizens back to our communities. These people have been in Niger in the last six years. With significant improvement regarding our security situation, our people are now looking forward to returning to their communities. We will work with all relevant institutions to ensure safe and dignified return of citizens. We shall do everything possible within our reach to safely resettle our people within the shortest possible time” Zulum said.
Zulum was accompanied by the Senator representing northern Borno, Abubakar Kyari, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and some top government officials.