December 26, (THEWILL) — Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched the distribution of humanitarian support to more than 4,000 households in the newly resettled town of Malam-Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area.
The beneficiaries are returnees who spent over a decade as refugees in the neighbouring Niger Republic after fleeing insurgent attacks. The intervention aims to provide succour and assist in rebuilding lives, restoring confidence in the future of the border community.
Under the distribution, each male head of a household received ₦20,000, along with 25kg bags of rice and maize and clothing materials. Female heads of households received ₦20,000 and wrappers.
Governor Zulum explained that the support was prompted by the town’s difficult terrain and limited access to basic amenities.
He noted that the intervention would significantly ease hardship and accelerate the resettlement process.
“This is not just about money or food,” the Governor said. “It is about restoring hope and reassuring our people that even in their darkest moments, they are not forgotten.”
During the visit, Governor Zulum toured irrigation farms cultivated by returnees, where agriculture is fast emerging as a primary livelihood.
He described the farms as symbols of resilience and optimism, pledging improved farming inputs and continued support to boost productivity and food security.
Beyond Malam-Fatori, similar assistance was extended to more than 6,000 vulnerable persons in Bosso, Niger Republic. The gesture was in recognition of the host communities that sheltered Nigerian refugees for nearly nine years.
The Governor also conducted an unscheduled late-night tour of Malam-Fatori to observe recovery efforts firsthand. He noted that markets were active and social life was cautiously returning despite years of displacement.
During his interaction with traders, Zulum assured them that government support would extend beyond relief to include empowerment, access to capital, and sustainable livelihoods.
Additionally, Governor Zulum donated operational vehicles and essential logistics to the 68 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Malam-Fatori.
The support is intended to improve troop mobility, rapid response, and patrol coverage on key routes leading into the town.
