By Emma Peter
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for urgent government action to secure communities affected by terrorist attacks and enable thousands of displaced Nigerians to return safely to their ancestral homes.
Obi made the call on Tuesday, September 8, after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 500 displaced persons are currently seeking refuge.
His visit to Plateau followed an earlier setback in Benue State, where his delegation was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata to meet displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks.
Obi said the situation confronting displaced residents in Mangu was deeply disturbing, noting that more than 45,000 people had reportedly been forced from their homes, while over 20 communities had been sacked by terrorists.
According to him, the affected Nigerians are ordinary citizens whose greatest desire is to return home, rebuild their communities, restore their livelihoods and resume their lives in peace and dignity.
He stressed that the displacement crisis should be treated as a national emergency rather than an isolated regional problem.
“As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” Obi stated, reaffirming his position that the safety and welfare of every citizen must remain a collective national responsibility.
The NDC presidential candidate urged the Federal Government to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and take concrete steps to restore public confidence among residents who have been forced to abandon their homes.
He maintained that every Nigerian has an equal right to life, security, dignity and livelihood, regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or place of residence.
Obi also warned against allowing displaced Nigerians to become forgotten citizens, stressing that their displacement has disrupted their homes, livelihoods, education, farming activities and future prospects.
He called for a comprehensive return-and-rebuilding strategy that would guarantee adequate security before displaced residents are encouraged to return to their communities.
The NDC candidate further urged authorities to provide meaningful assistance to affected families, arguing that rebuilding lives after displacement requires more than temporary shelter and basic relief materials.
During the visit, Obi provided modest support to families at the Mangu IDP camp as a demonstration of solidarity and compassion for citizens affected by insecurity.
He said the gesture was intended to remind the displaced families that they remain valued members of the Nigerian society and must not be abandoned because of the circumstances that forced them from their homes.
Obi said the Nigeria he seeks to build is one where citizens can safely live, work, farm, raise their families and pursue their aspirations without the constant threat of violence.
He maintained that securing communities and protecting citizens must remain at the centre of national development, insisting that sustainable economic growth and prosperity cannot be achieved where Nigerians are unable to live safely in their ancestral communities.
The NDC presidential candidate concluded by reaffirming his belief in the possibility of building a more secure, united and prosperous country where no Nigerian is left behind.
