When Abdulhameed Salisu fled his hometown of Damasak in northeastern Nigeria back in 2010, he joined countless others escaping the clutches of Boko Haram, a militant group that has wrought havoc in the region for over a decade.
Now, after more than a decade of displacement, Salisu, a father of seven, has returned to Damasak under a controversial resettlement program that aims to suggest an end to the ongoing insurgency.
However, for many, including Salisu and his family, this return is fraught with challenges, as security concerns linger and adequate support remains scarce.
Borno state, the epicenter of Boko Haram’s insurgency, has seen significant changes in recent months, with dozens of displacement camps being closed as authorities claim that the regions from which people fled are now safe.
The United Nations estimates that over two million people have been displaced due to the violence, and while some camps are being shut down, the safety and sustainability of these returns are being questioned.
The Context of the Insurgency
Boko Haram, which translates to “Western education is forbidden,” emerged in 2009, driven by a desire to impose a radical interpretation of Islamic law in Nigeria.
Since its inception, the conflict has spiraled into Africa’s longest-standing battle with militancy, leading to the deaths of approximately 35,000 civilians and leaving a significant portion of the population in dire humanitarian need.
The infamous 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok remains etched in public consciousness, symbolizing the broader implications of the insurgency.
Today, Borno state alone hosts nearly 900,000 internally displaced individuals, many still living in camps or struggling to integrate into local communities.
Despite the government’s assurances of safety, data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project indicates that at least 1,600 civilians have been killed in militant attacks in Borno state this year alone.
The Challenges of Resettlement
Salisu, who returned to Damasak with his family early last year, finds himself living in a resettlement camp where conditions are challenging.
He describes his days as monotonous, filled with waiting for food distributions from the World Food Program (WFP) and other aid organizations.
The dependency on handouts exacerbates the sense of helplessness among returnees, many of whom long for opportunities to work and rebuild their lives.
“We are begging the government to at least find us a means of livelihood instead of staying idle and waiting for whenever food comes,” Salisu lamented, his frustration echoing the sentiments of many displaced individuals in similar situations.
The slow pace of recovery and reintegration efforts underscores the complexities of returning to a region still grappling with insecurity and the remnants of violence.
While the Borno state government has promised essential support for returnees to help them reintegrate into their communities, many displaced individuals remain skeptical.
Aid organizations, including the WFP, have expressed concerns regarding the sufficiency of resources available to meet the needs of the displaced population.
Humanitarian Responses and Concerns
During a recent visit to Damasak, Cindy McCain, the WFP chief, addressed the pressing challenges faced by displaced individuals.
She emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing assistance, stating, “We are going to stay here and do the very best we can to end hunger.”
However, she also acknowledged the severe funding shortages hindering their efforts to adequately support the vulnerable populations.
The process of resettlement often involves military trucks transporting displaced individuals back to their villages or designated “host communities.”
While the government presents this as a step towards normalcy, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
The speed at which these resettlement programs are being implemented raises alarms among analysts and humanitarian workers, who warn that such actions could endanger the local population amid persistent security threats.
In addition to the ongoing violence, many returnees have reported inadequate access to basic necessities, such as food, healthcare, and shelter.
The lack of infrastructure and resources in these areas compounds the challenges of reintegration, leaving many families in a precarious situation as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
Ongoing Violence and Its Impact
The situation remains perilous for those trying to return to normalcy. Recent reports indicate a surge in attacks, including a horrifying incident in September when at least 100 villagers were killed by suspected Boko Haram militants in the neighboring Yobe state.
These attacks, which targeted markets, places of worship, and homes, serve as a grim reminder that the conflict is far from over.
Farmers, who constitute about 70% of the population in Borno state, have also been severely impacted. In the past year alone, dozens have been killed or abducted while working in their fields.
This has not only exacerbated food insecurity in a region already on the brink but also undermined the livelihoods of families reliant on agriculture for their survival.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex issues surrounding displacement and resettlement in northeastern Nigeria.
Simply closing camps and pushing people back to their homes without adequate support and security measures could lead to further instability and suffering.
Salisu and others like him are caught in a cycle of vulnerability, navigating a return that is marked by uncertainty and hardship. As the international community looks on, the urgency for action becomes ever more apparent.
Addressing the root causes of the conflict, providing sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring safety for returnees are crucial steps toward a lasting resolution in the region.
Conclusion
The resettlement of displaced Nigerians amid ongoing violence poses significant risks to their safety and well-being.
While government and aid organizations strive to support returnees, the challenges they face are daunting, and the conflict with Boko Haram continues to cast a long shadow over northeastern Nigeria.
As the world watches, it is imperative to advocate for sustained assistance and comprehensive solutions that can pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the millions affected by this devastating conflict.
