World Refugee Day: Peter Obi laments rising displacement of Nigerians by insecurity

Events-Festivals

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians displaced by terrorism, banditry and violent attacks, describing the situation as a national tragedy.

In a statement marking the 2026 World Refugee Day, Obi said millions of Nigerians have effectively become refugees in their own country as insecurity continues to force communities from their homes.

According to him, internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, have become a painful reminder of the government’s inability to adequately protect citizens.

“Today is World Refugee Day, yet millions of Nigerians have become refugees in their own country,” Obi said.

He noted that many of the camps housing displaced persons remain grossly underfunded and lack basic facilities required to support thousands of victims of violence and insecurity.

According to the former Anambra State governor, displaced families continue to struggle daily for access to food, healthcare, education and other essential services.

“For many, survival has become their only reality,” he said.

Obi lamented the increasing incidents of school abductions, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities, saying the worsening security situation has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands while families flee in search of safety.

“Children are abducted from schools. Families are forced to flee their homes. Farmers abandon their lands. Citizens live in fear of kidnapping and violence,” he stated.

He warned that the continued spread of insecurity across various parts of the country has diminished the prospects of displaced persons returning to their communities and rebuilding their lives.

According to the principal advocate of ‘A New Nigeria is Possible,’ the situation is unacceptable and requires urgent action from the government and security agencies.

He urged Nigerians and the international community to remember that behind every displacement statistic is a human story of loss, hardship and uncertainty.

“On this World Refugee Day, we must remember that behind every statistic is a human life disrupted, a family uprooted and a future put on hold,” he said.

Obi stressed that every Nigerian deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to live peacefully without fear of violence or forced displacement.

He reiterated his call for stronger efforts to tackle insecurity and create conditions that would allow displaced citizens to return home and rebuild their lives.