NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the federal government to urgently restore security to communities in the North Central after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday, September 8.
Obi said he made the trip to Mangu after his delegation was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Benue State, where they had planned to visit families affected by recent attacks.
“The situation in Mangu is deeply disturbing,” Obi said in a statement released after the visit. “Over 45,000 people have reportedly been displaced, while more than 20 communities have been sacked by terrorists. These are Nigerians who want nothing more than to return to their ancestral homes, rebuild their communities, cultivate their farms, and live their lives in peace and dignity.”
At the IDP camp in Mangu, Obi met with more than 500 displaced persons. He described the conditions as a national emergency that requires immediate government action.
“As I have always maintained, as long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” he said.
The former governor urged authorities to prioritize the protection of lives and livelihoods in conflict-affected areas.
“I therefore urge the government to do more to secure these beleaguered communities and restore the confidence of our people,” Obi stated. “The right to life, safety, dignity and livelihood must be protected for every Nigerian, irrespective of where they live, their ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.”
He warned against allowing displaced citizens to be forgotten, saying their homes and futures have been disrupted by violence.
“Our displaced citizens must not become forgotten Nigerians. They are citizens of our country whose homes, livelihoods and futures have been disrupted. Government must create the conditions for their safe and dignified return, secure their communities and support them to rebuild their lives.”
Obi said he concluded the visit by offering “modest support” to the displaced families “as a gesture of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity.”
He tied the visit to his broader campaign vision, adding: “The New Nigeria we seek must be a country where every citizen can live, work, farm, raise a family and pursue their dreams in peace and security.”
The attacks in Benue and Plateau have added to concerns about insecurity in the North Central, where clashes between armed groups and farming communities have displaced thousands in recent months.
