By Austin Ajayi, Yola
The Adamawa State Government has commenced the repatriation of over 400 almajirai from the state to Gombe and other northern states.
Speaking at the venue of the repatriation, the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Bashir Ahmed, disclosed that the move was in line with the agreement reached at several meetings of the Northern Governors Forum prior to the escalation of the Corona virus pandemic.
Bashir who supervised the repatriation at the Capital School, Yola, said the exercise which commenced with 132 almajirai will continue till they are all repatriated.
He disclosed that the decision to repatriates the almajirai predates the coming of the Covid-19, but that with the coming and subsequent escalation of the disease, it became necessary for states act fast because it will be one of the potent vehicles of distributing the virus if care was not taking.
Engr. Bashir expressed worry over the way the almajirai were crowded in small spaces which he said could aid the spreading the Corona virus disease.
“The way and manner these children are accommodated and mingle amongst people in the markets and within our communities is a very high health risk.
“That is why the governors decided that this is the right time to repatriate them so that every state takes direct responsibility of its own citizens.
“All states have put measures in place to return those that are not their own and receive those that are theirs and also plan to integrate Quranic teaching into standard forms of education,” he said.
He disclosed that the Adamawa State Government has also received almajirai from Gombe, Nassarawa and Kaduna states.
He said the repatriation began with those in Yola north because most of them are citizens of Gombe state.
“As at now, the ones in the vehicle are totaling 132 and its one-third of the total number that we have from Gombe. All those in the buses are indigenes of Gombe and we are taking them back. We have security to accompany them alongside a guide.
“We have spoken with Gombe state government and they are ready to receive them
“Adamawa state government is also ready to receive every single almajiri that is an indigene of the state, as it is the responsibility of the state to take care of its citizens,” he noted.
