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See Reasons Borno Government Seeks Immediate Action to Empower Freed Boko Haram Victims

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 11th, 2025.

See Reasons Borno Government Seeks Immediate Action to Empower Freed Boko Haram Victims

The Borno State government has called for immediate intervention to assist individuals freed from Boko Haram captivity, emphasizing the need for programs that would enhance their economic and social reintegration. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Borno Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, made the appeal during a visit from Hamsatu Allamin, CEO of the Allamin Foundation for Peace, in Maiduguri.

Wakilbe stressed that swift action is crucial to support the victims’ integration into society and enable them to lead normal lives once more. He expressed concern about the vulnerability of these victims, particularly noting that many had been subjected to sexual abuse due to poverty, lack of support, and their overall vulnerability.

He shared a distressing encounter with an 11-year-old girl caring for three younger children and highlighted cases where young girls, repatriated from Cameroon, were found with multiple children. Wakilbe underlined that these victims need urgent support and integration, pointing out that their poverty often leads them to harmful survival strategies like prostitution.

The commissioner also proposed the establishment of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in border communities such as Bama, Gwoza, and Kamburungara. He emphasized the need for sustainable programs to address the unique challenges faced by these communities and provide viable alternatives to poverty.

Furthermore, Wakilbe highlighted the importance of specialized education for conflict-affected children. Traditional schools, he noted, often fail to meet the unique needs of these children, many of whom have experienced extreme violence, abduction, and displacement. He referred to challenges faced in integrating Chibok girls into regular schools and suggested the use of alternative programs such as Second Chance schools to better cater to their needs.

In addition, Wakilbe pointed out the shortcomings of some donor-funded programs that had not adequately addressed the immediate needs of the region, particularly in education. He argued that more attention should be given to capacity-building for educators and long-term solutions for the conflict’s victims.

The commissioner also reported that over 300 women had been trained in vocational skills by the state government, with startup kits provided to support their independence. Wakilbe reiterated the government’s commitment to working with development organizations to support conflict victims.

In response, Allamin emphasized the need for proactive, sustainable interventions to address the critical issues uncovered during the peacebuilding programs led by her foundation. She shared that the Allamin Foundation had successfully rehabilitated hundreds of women and girls involved in the insurgency, with many now helping to encourage others to surrender and seek assistance.