Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure communities affected by terrorism and facilitate the safe return of displaced Nigerians to their ancestral homes.
Obi made the call after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, housing more than 500 displaced persons.
The visit came a day after Obi’s delegation was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Benue State, where he had planned to meet displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks, The News Chronicle reports.
According to Obi, the situation in Mangu is deeply disturbing, with more than 45,000 people reportedly displaced and over 20 communities allegedly sacked by terrorists.
He said the displaced residents were desperate to return home, rebuild their communities, cultivate their farms and resume their lives in peace and dignity.
“As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” Obi said.
He urged the government to do more to protect beleaguered communities, restore public confidence and guarantee the right of every Nigerian to life, safety, dignity and livelihood, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
Obi also warned against allowing displaced Nigerians to become “forgotten citizens”, stressing that their homes, livelihoods and futures had been disrupted through no fault of their own.
“Government must create the conditions for their safe and dignified return, secure their communities and support them to rebuild their lives,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor concluded the visit by providing what he described as modest support to displaced families as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.
He said the New Nigeria he envisioned must be one where every citizen could “live, work, farm, raise a family and pursue their dreams in peace and security.”
