Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 500 displaced persons are taking shelter.
Obi visited the camp on Tuesday, September 8, after he and his delegation were prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Benue State to visit displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks.
He described the situation in Mangu as “deeply disturbing,” saying more than 45,000 people had reportedly been displaced, while over 20 communities had been sacked by terrorists.
According to him, 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 Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the affected communities and restore the confidence of residents, stressing that the right to life, safety, dignity and livelihood must be protected for every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
Obi said displaced Nigerians should not be allowed to become “forgotten Nigerians,” noting that their homes, livelihoods and futures had been disrupted by insecurity.
“Our displaced citizens must not become forgotten Nigerians. They are citizens of our country whose homes, livelihoods and futures have been disrupted,” he said.
He called on the government to create the conditions for the safe and dignified return of the displaced persons, secure their communities and provide the necessary support for them to rebuild their lives.
Obi also offered what he described as his modest support to the displaced families as a gesture of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity.
He said the New Nigeria he envisioned would be a country where every citizen could live, work, farm, raise a family and pursue their dreams in peace and security.
