The 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 create conditions for displaced Nigerians to return safely to their ancestral homes.
Obi made the call after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, following his inability to visit displaced persons in Yelwata, Benue State.
The former Anambra State governor said the plight of displaced Nigerians remained a national concern, stressing that citizens forced from their homes should not be forgotten.
According to Obi, more than 45,000 people have reportedly been displaced in Mangu, while over 20 communities were allegedly sacked by terrorists.
He described the situation as deeply disturbing, noting that the affected residents wanted to return home, rebuild their communities, cultivate their farms and resume normal lives.
During the visit, Obi said he interacted with displaced persons at a camp housing more than 500 people and offered support to the affected families.
He argued that government assistance to displaced persons should go beyond temporary relief and focus on restoring security in their communities so that they can eventually return home.
“As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” Obi said, reiterating his position that insecurity in any part of the country should concern every citizen.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of lives and property while ensuring that displaced people can return home with dignity and rebuild their livelihoods.
Obi also called for greater attention to the economic consequences of prolonged displacement, noting that insecurity disrupts farming, businesses, education and family life.
He said Nigerians should be able to live, work, farm and raise their families without fear, regardless of their location, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
The visit came a day after Obi and his delegation were reportedly prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Benue State, where they had planned to visit victims of previous attacks and make personal donations.
The development generated reactions as the NDC candidate’s team was unable to reach the affected community.
Obi said the experience reinforced the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that displaced citizens receive sustained attention from government.
He maintained that humanitarian assistance should complement, rather than replace, effective security measures.
The former governor further called for concerted efforts to rebuild affected communities once security has been restored, including support for housing, agriculture, education and other basic needs.
He said the Nigeria he envisions should be one where citizens can pursue their livelihoods peacefully and where no Nigerian is forced to abandon his or her ancestral home because of insecurity.
The appeal comes amid continuing concerns over attacks and displacement in parts of the country, particularly in communities affected by armed violence.
Obi urged the government to treat the safe return and reintegration of displaced Nigerians as an urgent national priority.
