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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has organised a voluntary repatriation of over 2000 Nigerian refugees from the Minawaou refugee camp in Cameroon’s Far North Region.
According to reports, “455 Nigerian children, women and men, formerly refugees in Cameroon following the Boko Haram conflict left for their country last Friday and the second wave this Tuesday expected around 500 refugees at the Governor’s office esplanade.”
The first batch was welcomed at the border, located between the towns of Amchidé and Banki, by Nigerian authorities.
Having stayed in Cameroon for close to 10 years, the refugees received gifts from the presidential couple which was handed over to them by the governor of the Far North region, Midjiyawa Bakari. The gifts comprised some foodstuffs, bedding, kitchen utensils, and other materials.
On behalf of the Nigerian authorities, Lawan Awal Lawkibe, the Team Leader of the Voluntary Refugee Repatriation Project said that Nigerians are leaving Cameroon with a heavy heart.
The authorities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria praised the collaboration and especially the hospitality of the Cameroonian authorities.
The voluntary repatriation of refugees organized by the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) coordinated by Bettina Gambert, Deputy Representative of UNHCR-Cameroon is the result of the application of the tripartite agreement which is in its second phase.
By Amina Hilda
