Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure communities affected by terrorist attacks and facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced Nigerians.
Obi made the call on Tuesday, September 8, after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 500 displaced persons are currently taking refuge.
The visit followed an earlier attempt by Obi and his delegation to visit Yelwata in Benue State to meet displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks. According to him, the delegation was prevented from proceeding to the community.
Obi said the situation in Mangu was “deeply disturbing”, noting that more than 45,000 people had reportedly been displaced and over 20 communities sacked by terrorists.
He said the displaced residents were Nigerians who wanted to return to their ancestral homes, rebuild their communities, cultivate their farms and live in peace and dignity.
“As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” Obi said.
He urged the government to do more to secure the affected communities and restore the confidence of residents, stressing that every Nigerian has a right to life, safety, dignity and livelihood regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
Obi also warned against allowing displaced persons to become forgotten citizens, stressing that their homes, livelihoods and futures had been disrupted and that government had a responsibility to create the conditions necessary for their safe return.
He called for sustained support for displaced families as they rebuild their lives and communities.
During the visit, Obi provided modest assistance to the affected families as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.
He said the vision of a “New Nigeria” must include a country where every citizen can live, work, farm, raise a family and pursue their aspirations in peace and security.
