The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Sunday that it was working on plans for the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Gwoza camp back to their respective homes.

NEMA North East Coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Kanar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that arrangements for the displaced persons to return home became necessary following the gradual return of peace to Borno.

Kanar pointed out that officials of the agency were in Gwoza last week on an assessment visit towards actualising the plan.

“We accompanied the Senate Leader Alhaji Muhammad Ndume on an assessment visit to Gwoza to find out the situation of things, especially the living conditions of the IDPs in the area.

“We also visited different camps housing the Displaced Persons from Gwoza in Yola and other places in Adamawa State.

“The essence was to assess the situation on ground and to prepare for their early return home.

“We were surprised that most of them were eager to return home, some even expressed willingness to return immediately.”

He said that following the outcome of the visit, NEMA had resolved to collaborate with the Borno State Government toward the evacuation of IDPs back home.

“I cannot say exactly when they will return, but I believe that going by the outcome of our visit, they should be evacuated home in a few weeks’ time.”

The team also presented 1,700 bags of assorted food items comprising rice, beans, and maize to the IDPs in Gwoza as relief materials before departing.

Ndume had on Aug. 8, announced plans to close down IDPs camps hosting Gwoza indigenes in Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and other places by relocating them back home.

Gov. Kashim Shettima had also issued a deadline of May 29, 2017 for the closure of all IDPs camps in the state. (NAN)

•Photo shows an IDP Camp.

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