By John Alechenu
A former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume has urged the Federal Government to provide humanitarian aid to assist Borno State resettle, rebuild, and support people displaced by over a decade of insurgency.

The Senator representing Borno South made the appeal at a Christmas event he hosted with the Coalition of Christian Youths (Youth-CAN) for displaced people sheltering at the CAN Centre in the North East.

According to a statement from his office in Abuja, on Monday, the event drew hundreds of displaced people, traditional leaders, politicians, religious leaders, youth representatives, and community stakeholders.

Senator Ndume praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his outstanding humanitarian efforts, especially in Gwoza Local Government Area.

Ndume said, “Out of the 27 local governments in Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown uncommon love, courage, and dedication to Gwoza and other conflict-affected communities.”

In response to an appeal by the IDPs for support to return to their ancestral homes, the federal lawmaker assured them that he would convey their request to the Borno State Governor.

He said, “It pleases me to hear that you personally requested my support to take you back home. We will ensure your return. We are fortunate to have a governor who truly cares about his people, and I will engage him directly on this matter.”

The Senator equally promised to facilitate the return of IDPs currently taking refuge in Minawao Camp, Cameroon, to their communities in a safe and dignified manner.

Giving a breakdown of items distributed, Ndume announced that a total of 200 bags of rice alongside cash assistance was given to deserving families.

He explained that 30 bags were allocated to Youth-CAN, 20 bags for the Christmas luncheon, 100 bags for IDPs at the CAN Centre, and 50 bags distributed to IDPs in other camps across the state.

The lawmaker also announced that a similar gesture would be extended to Bayan Dutse, noting that many of the IDPs originated from communities such as Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Pulka, and other parts of Gwoza Local Government Area.

Earlier in an address, the Chairman of Indigenous Pastors of Borno State, Rev. Waziri Dibal, expressed gratitude to the Senator for organising the luncheon and appealed for sustained legislative and governmental support to enable displaced persons return to their ancestral homes.

The Chairman of the Borno State Christian Youths, Barrister Ephraim Yidawi, in his remarks commended Ndume for partnering with the youths while appealing to members of the youth association to participate actively in the repatriation and reintegration of refugees from Cameroon.

Dr. Yohana, speaking for the group, thanked Senator Ndume for his support and for showing up to the Christmas event, calling it a powerful symbol of unity and empathy.

Others, including APC’s Hon. Luka Apagu Mussa and Camp Chairman John Gwoma Haghaya, also praised Senator Ndume and Governor Zulum’s humanitarian efforts.

The event ended with food, traditional dances, and celebrations, leaving displaced people feeling hopeful and confident in Senator Ndume and Borno State Government’s efforts to help them rebuild their lives.