By Golok Nanmwa
JOS- Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has lamented the prolonged killings and displacement of thousands of Nigerians in Plateau State, saying the continued existence of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps underscores the need for the government to do more to secure citizens and facilitate their safe return home.
Obi spoke when he visited Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State to sympathise with persons affected by insecurity, stressing that his visit was not politically motivated but driven by concern over the plight of Nigerians forced from their homes.
He called on the Federal Government to urgently address the killings and kidnappings contributing to the displacement of communities across the country, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.
“As long as you are in an IDP camp, Nigeria is in an IDP camp. When you go home, Nigeria is at home. You are not supposed to be here,” Obi said.
He urged the government to pay greater attention to the security situation and take decisive action to protect citizens and bring perpetrators of attacks to justice.
Obi acknowledged the importance of prayers in seeking solutions to the security challenges but stressed that prayers must be complemented by effective government action.
“I listen to somebody who says we need prayers. Yes, we need prayers. But the government can answer prayers. The people who are coming to kill people are not from the moon.” There we know them. The Nigerian government should be able to deal with it,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate expressed sympathy for the displaced persons, saying they should not be left in camps but should be assisted to return safely to their communities.
He also expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on children, noting that the destruction and disruption of communities had affected their access to education.
Obi said the situation was particularly disturbing given the number of people affected, citing about 45,000 displaced persons from more than 20 communities.
“You can imagine, 45,000 people in an area, over 20 communities. That is unacceptable. It is something that we must not allow to continue,” he said.
He said he wished other persons seeking to occupy the office of President would visit IDP camps across the country to witness first-hand the conditions of displaced Nigerians.
According to him, his repeated visits to affected communities aimed to draw attention to the humanitarian consequences of insecurity.
“This is the third time I’m coming here to say what is happening here. I’ve been able to come here to build your school, provide water and everything,” he said.
Obi stressed that his latest visit was not to campaign but to reassure the displaced persons that they remained in his thoughts and that he hoped they would eventually return home.
“I came here today, like I said, not to campaign. I came to assure you that you are in our mind, we are thinking about you, and we are hoping that one day we have the opportunity of coming here and none of you will be here, because you’ve gone back to your home,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also commended the resilience of the displaced persons after watching them sing and dance despite the difficult circumstances they found themselves in.
He said their ability to remain hopeful amid adversity was encouraging, adding that the government must ensure displaced persons can eventually return home and rebuild their lives.
Obi assured the camp leaders that they were not alone and pledged to continue supporting them within his capacity.
“Be assured that you are not alone. Be assured that we are feeling your pain. We are feeling your disappointment and everything. And we will continue from time to time to support you in any way we can,” he said.
