The Borno State Government has commenced the resettlement of 500 displaced households, comprising about 6,000 persons, to Mairari community in Guzamala Local Government Area.

Those resettled fled the area more than a decade ago after they were forced to flee by insurgency.

The state governor, Babagana Zulum, constituted a resettlement committee to oversee the exercise.

The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai-Mele, and includes the member representing Marte/Monguno/Nganzai federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Bukar Talba, and the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali  Abdullahi, among others.

Mr Mai-Mele in a statement on Tuesday in Maiduguri, said Mairari would serve as the temporary headquarters of Guzamala Local Government to facilitate the restoration of civil authority and support the gradual return of  the displaced residents.

He said each beneficiary household received an initial cash grant of N50,000, while another N50,000 would be paid after continued stay in the community.

Housewives also received N25,000 as the first tranche of a N50,000 support package.

Other items distributed included 25kg bags of rice and maize, mattresses, wrappers and clothing materials.

The Chairman of Guzamala Local Government Council, Umar Sheriff, commended Mr Zulum for his commitment to restoring peace, security and livelihoods in the area.

He assured that the council would continue to collaborate with the resettlement committee and other stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme.

(NAN)