Repentant Boko Haram fighters plead for government support amid reintegration
Repentant Boko Haram fighters have reached out to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) seeking assistance as they reintegrate into communities following a rigorous rehabilitation process.
Exclusively speaking to News Point Nigeria at the Bulumkutu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri, where the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, distributed food items to them and some rescued Chibok girls, these former insurgents expressed concerns about their current situation. Some of them are even considering returning to the bush.
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“I am still residing in the camp despite being freed by the authorities. However, I have nowhere to go. Many of us are idle to the point where some are contemplating returning to the bush,” revealed Ali Kaka, one of the repentant Boko Haram fighters.
He added, “I used to work as a welder and gun repairer in Sambisa. When I surrendered, I brought five guns with me as my contribution to the Nigerian government.”
Another repentant fighter, Suleiman Abubakar, shared, “I am one of those who surrendered their guns because I grew weary of killing and stealing. I needed to start a new life. We took up arms due to the lack of jobs or any tangible means of livelihood. Therefore, I implore the government to provide us with a source of livelihood, ensuring that those of us who have genuinely surrendered are not tempted again.”
In response to their plea, the Minister assured that the Federal Government is tirelessly working to alleviate poverty among the impoverished masses, starting with the provision of grants and soft loans, which will soon commence.
Both the repentant insurgents and rescued Chibok girls, along with others, gathered in large numbers to receive the minister.
The Bulumkutu Rehabilitation Centre serves as a place where rescued individuals, including Chibok school girls and repentant insurgents, are monitored and evaluated before their reintegration into society.