Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure communities affected by attacks and ensure the safe return of displaced Nigerians to their homes. Obi made the call after visiting an IDP camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 500 displaced persons are taking refuge.
The visit came after Obi and his delegation were prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Benue State on Tuesday, September 8, where they had planned to visit displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks. He subsequently travelled to Mangu to meet displaced residents and assess their situation.
Obi described the situation in Mangu as deeply disturbing, saying more than 45,000 people had reportedly been displaced and over 20 communities allegedly sacked by terrorists. He said the affected Nigerians want to return to their ancestral homes, rebuild their communities, cultivate their farms and live in peace and dignity.
“As I have always maintained, as long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” Obi said. He urged the government to protect the lives, safety, dignity and livelihoods of citizens regardless of their location, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, and to create the conditions for displaced residents to return home safely.
Obi also offered support to the displaced families as a gesture of solidarity and compassion. He said displaced Nigerians must not become forgotten citizens, urging the government to secure affected communities and support residents to rebuild their homes and livelihoods so they can live, work, farm and raise their families in peace and security.
Daily Times
