ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja, have said that contrary to claims by the Federal Government that the Boko Haram terrorists have been technically defeated, the terrorists still occupy some communities and local government areas in parts of the North East.
They rejected plans by the government to return the displaced persons back to their various communities, stating categorically, that they wont go back unless the terrorists are flushed out.
The IDPs also insisted that the Boko Haram insurgents are still in control of Gwoza east, Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the chairman of New Konchingoro camp,Abuja, Mr. Filimo Emmanuel, while playing host to Senator Dino Melaye who marked his birthday with them.
Emmanuel, who could not hold his excitement, said this would be the first time a serving Senator would pay visit to the IDP camp, adding that even their own Senator, Ali Ndume who was supposed to be taking care of them has abandoned them.
He said: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Human Rights Commission have continually told us that we will go back to our villages that Boko Haram have been pushed out of our villages, which is not true
“No military went to our villages, there is no military in Gwoza east, still our village is controlled by Boko Haram. We are begging you to take our complaints to the National Assembly, you can help us to talk to the Chief of Army Staff so that he can send soldiers to our villages to flush out the insurgents. If we are able to confirm that Boko Haram have been flushed out from our villages, even, tomorrow, we are ready to go.”
Addressing the IDPs, Melaye lamented the harsh condition, and the indecent circumstances and environment they have to cope with, while praying to God for peace to be restored in the North-east in order for them to return to their various homes.
However, despite the persistent protest and calls for secession by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB), the Senator called on the groups to “jettison the idea in order not to allow the labour of the founding fathers who brought independence to be in vain”.
“We appeal to those who are calling for secession, those that are calling for a divided Nigeria that the prayer in our national anthem which says ‘May the labour of our heroes past not be in vain’ will be uphold.
“May the labour of Awolowo, Herbert Macaulay, Tafawa Balewa, Ahamadu Bello, and all our fallen heroes in bringing our independence never be in vain,”, he added.
Melaye continued: “My birthday this year, will be a very fulfilling one having come to you, the senior citizens of Nigeria paying a huge sacrifice for the atrocities you know nothing about.
“I commend your effort, I salute your resilience, I salute your indefatigable and indomitable spirit, and I pray by the grace of God all this your sufferings will not be in vain. ”
The birthday celebrant also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the military and other security agencies for their efforts “in trying to ameliorate and palliate the problem in the North-east”, while urging the IDPs to live together in peace in their camp in spite the religion differences.
“I am very optimistic that because God is God and God is His name, very soon this insurgency and the pain inflicted by Boko Haram will come to an end. I also use this opportunity to call on Boko Haram to please in the name of God release our girls and daughters in their possession. My prayers is that the abducted Chibok girls will be released soon by the grace of God,” he said.
Melaye donated several food items and books, which he explained were brought in order to imbibe reading culture in the children.
