The situation he encountered in Mangu was deeply disturbing, particularly the scale of displacement and the conditions under which affected residents were living
By Mmesoma Onwuka
Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has decried the displacement of more than 45,000 residents and the reported takeover of over 20 communities by terrorists in Plateau State.
Obi made the call for urgent government intervention after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of the state, where more than 500 displaced Nigerians are currently taking refuge.
The former governor said the visit was part of his effort to identify with Nigerians affected by insecurity and draw attention to the plight of communities forced to abandon their ancestral homes.
He said his delegation had earlier visited Benue State but was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata on September 8 to meet displaced persons and families affected by recent attacks.
According to Obi, the situation he encountered in Mangu was deeply disturbing, particularly the scale of displacement and the conditions under which affected residents were living.
He noted that many of the displaced persons were eager to return to their communities, rebuild their homes, resume farming and restore their means of livelihood.
Obi urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure vulnerable communities, defeat terrorist groups and create the conditions necessary for displaced Nigerians to return home safely.
“As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” he said.
The former governor stressed that every Nigerian had the right to life, safety, dignity and a means of livelihood, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or geographical location.
He warned against allowing displaced Nigerians to become forgotten citizens, saying the government must provide both security and the necessary support to enable them rebuild their lives and communities.
During the visit, Obi also provided modest assistance to some of the displaced families as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.
He said the Nigeria he envisions is one where citizens can live, work, farm, raise their families and pursue their aspirations without fear.
“A New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi said.