The Federal Government has provided a resettlement city for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital due to activities of terrorist bandits in the state.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, on Friday while commissioning the resettlement city said beneficiaries of the 40 fully completed and functional houses will also enjoy the Federal Government’s monthly cash transfer to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
A Government House press statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the Minister had commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his unending efforts in ensuring the well-being of the displaced persons across the state.
“The beneficiaries of these houses would also benefit from the Federal Government’s monthly cash transfer to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Governor Lawal, who is compassionate about the plight of the displaced persons in the state.
“I have heard all the pleas by the State government. I will pass the message to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for more support and interventions for the displaced persons in Zamfara,” she said.
Earlier in his speech, Governor Lawal sought more support for the Internally Displaced Persons across Zamfara state and appreciated the efforts of other federal agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the various humanitarian support and interventions they have provided to the state over the years.
The governor described the city constructed under the Renewed Hope Programme as a critical intervention in addressing the humanitarian challenges of the state.
He called on the minister to consider the construction of two additional cities in Zamfara North and West senatorial districts.
“It is a well-known fact that Zamfara State faces formidable security challenges, and these challenges can only be resolved through effective collaboration with the Federal Government, neighboring states, and all stakeholders in security matters.
“It is regrettable to admit that banditry has led to the impoverishment of many individuals, orphans, widows, and internally displaced persons, especially in the rural areas.
“This has placed the state at the top of the list of significant flashpoints of violence and vulnerable persons/households in the North-West states and the entire nation,” Lawal said.
He noted that providing an IDPs resettlement facility in the state capital, Gusau is a welcome development and appreciated the Federal Government’s collaborative efforts in alleviating the suffering of people.
“The resettlement city for Persons of Concern in Zamfara State, it is essential to note that since the inception of this administration, we have been addressing the issue of Internally Displaced Persons in all parts of the State.
“In this regard, the government and the good people of Zamfara State remain grateful for this kind gesture,” Lawal said.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs in the company of the Governor visited the Federal University Gusau and met with university management and students rescued from kidnappers.
The Vice-Chancellor of the FUGUS, Prof. Muazu Abubakar, said the university management was doing all within its ability to encourage students not to be distracted by the ugly incident.
He thanked the minister for the visit and appealed for more security intervention at the university.
