Peter Obi visits Plateau IDP camp after Benue incident

Politics

JOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr 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 being sheltered.

The visit came a day after Obi and his delegation were reportedly prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Benue State to visit displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks.

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State and advocate of the “A New Nigeria is Possible” mantra, described the situation in Mangu as deeply disturbing, saying more than 45,000 people have reportedly been displaced, while over 20 communities have been sacked by terrorists.

In a statement on Wednesday, Obi urged the government to intensify efforts to secure the affected communities and restore the confidence of residents.

He said the right to life, safety, dignity and livelihood must be protected for every Nigerian, regardless of where they live, their ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

Obi said: “As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced.”

He urged the government to ensure that displaced citizens did not become forgotten Nigerians, stressing the need to create conditions for their safe and dignified return, secure their communities and support them in rebuilding their lives.

Obi also offered what he described as modest support to the displaced families as a gesture of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity.

He said the New Nigeria he advocates must be a country where every citizen could live, work, farm, raise a family and pursue their dreams in peace and security.