Obi urges FG to secure terror-hit communities

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to step up security in communities affected by terrorism and create conditions for displaced Nigerians to safely return home.

Obi made the appeal on Tuesday in a statement shared on his X platform after visiting an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The visit came after an incident in Benue State, where Obi said his delegation was stopped from travelling to Yelwata to meet displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks.

Obi described the situation in Mangu as “deeply disturbing”, noting that more than 45,000 people had reportedly been displaced while over 20 communities were allegedly sacked by terrorists.

He said he visited an IDP camp where more than 500 displaced people were being accommodated.

“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,” Obi said.

“As I have always maintained, as long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced.”

The former Anambra State governor called on the government to strengthen efforts to protect affected communities and rebuild public trust in its ability to safeguard citizens.

“I therefore urge the government to do more to secure these beleaguered communities and restore the confidence of our people,” he said.

Obi said every Nigerian should be guaranteed the right to life, security, dignity and livelihood regardless of their location, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

He also appealed to the government not to neglect displaced Nigerians, stressing that insecurity had disrupted their homes, sources of livelihood and future prospects.

“Our displaced citizens must not become forgotten Nigerians. They are citizens of our country whose homes, livelihoods and futures have been disrupted,” he said.

He urged the government to take steps to make it possible for displaced Nigerians to return safely, protect their communities and assist them in rebuilding their lives.

Obi said he ended the visit by offering what he described as modest assistance to the displaced families as a show of solidarity and compassion.

He restated his vision of a “New Nigeria” where Nigerians would be able to live, work, farm, raise families and pursue their ambitions in peace and security.

“A New Nigeria is Possible,” Obi said.