As Borno Government commenced resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their ancestral land, returnees in commercial town of Baga in Kukawa Local Government have urged for functional Naval base to ensure security on Lake Chad.
Some of the returnees who spoke to newsmen said there was need for heavy naval presence in ensuring security on the water and fertile shores of the lake for full resumption of fishing and farming activities.
“We want a full functional Naval base with adequate deployment of personnel and gun boats to secure the water just the way we have Army formations in various locations securing the land for us to resume our normal farming activities.
“Borno government has provided land for a base and we want the new Chief of Naval to take the opportunity and act accordingly because securing the lake and its shores known as hideout for the insurgents is very vital,” Abatcha Mustafa, a fisherman said.
A farmer, Modu Kanembu and Abubakar Baba also said that a functional naval base would be effective in checking the insurgents in some settlements along the lake.
“There presence will give thousands of returnee farmers and fishermen as well as other businesses in Baga and its environs the needed relief at this critical to resume activities in full,” Kanembu said.
Joseph Adamu, Buba Gidado and Mustafa Kundiri who are in Baga for fishing and farming activities also urged for heavy naval deployment on the lake for effective security.
Speaking on his just concluded tour of the area, the Chairman of the committee for the resettlement of IDPs in Baga and its environs who is also Borno Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu, said the committee conducted a tour of the area to assess situations.
Shehu said the committee had met with stakeholders including military commanders of formations in the area on measures to ensure safe resettlement of returnees.
“We have interfaces with Commanders of various sectors in the area and it has been fruitful deliberations.
“Borno government is making all efforts to create enabling environment for the people to return to their ancestral land and begin a new lease of life,” Shehu said.
