By Abdullahi Alhassan
The Borno State Government has commenced the distribution of relief materials and financial assistance to 434 residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued from Boko Haram captivity after spending about three months in the insurgents’ enclave.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, during a visit to Pulka on Monday, directed the immediate provision of humanitarian support to the rescued victims as part of efforts to facilitate their recovery and eventual reintegration into society.
Following the governor’s directive, the Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, led the distribution exercise, ensuring that the affected individuals received the approved assistance package.
Under the intervention programme, each beneficiary received essential relief items, including a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda. Children among the rescued victims were also provided with two sets of clothing.
In addition to the material support, 208 household heads received cash assistance of N50,000 each in fulfillment of Governor Zulum’s commitment to provide immediate financial relief to the victims.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the SEMA Director-General said the intervention reflected the state government’s determination to cushion the hardships experienced by the rescued residents and support their rehabilitation process.
“I am here on the directive of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who visited this location a few days ago and instructed that these relief items be delivered to you as emergency assistance,” Ali said.
The state government disclosed that the rescued persons are currently undergoing medical evaluation, treatment, and psychosocial rehabilitation at a designated government facility to aid their physical and emotional recovery.
Authorities said the beneficiaries would be reunited with their families and reintegrated into their respective communities upon completion of the rehabilitation programme.
The distribution exercise was witnessed by the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Council, community leaders from Ngoshe, and other government officials.
