Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis as unacceptable, saying persistent killings and attacks have effectively turned the country into an internally displaced persons, IDP, camp.
Obi made the remarks during a visit to an attacked community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he sympathised with residents displaced by insecurity.
He said the government had a responsibility to secure Nigerians and create conditions that would allow displaced persons to return safely to their ancestral communities.
“As long as you are in IDP camp, Nigeria is in IDP camp. It is when you go home that Nigeria is at home. You are not supposed to be here,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor urged the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive measures to address the killings and kidnappings responsible for the displacement of communities, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.
Obi acknowledged the importance of prayers in addressing the nation’s security challenges but stressed that prayers must be accompanied by effective government action.
According to him, those responsible for attacks on innocent citizens are identifiable and should be confronted by the relevant authorities.
“Yes, we need prayers. But the prayers can be solved by government. The people who are coming to kill people are not from the moon. We know them. The Nigerian government should be able to deal with it,” he said.
Obi expressed concern over the scale of displacement in the affected area, saying about 45,000 people from more than 20 communities had been forced from their homes.
He described the situation as unacceptable and called for sustained efforts to end attacks and restore normalcy to affected 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,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential candidate also highlighted the impact of insecurity on children, noting that the destruction and displacement of communities had disrupted the education of many young Nigerians.
Obi said other politicians aspiring to become president should visit IDP camps across the country to witness first-hand the conditions in which displaced Nigerians are living.
He explained that his repeated visits to affected communities were intended to draw attention to the humanitarian consequences of insecurity and keep the plight of displaced persons in the national conversation.
“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 visit was not politically motivated, saying he was at the camp to reassure displaced Nigerians that their plight remained a concern to him.
He said the ultimate objective should be to ensure that displaced persons can return safely to their ancestral homes rather than remain indefinitely in camps.
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The former governor assured camp leaders that they were not alone and pledged to continue offering support 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 in any way we can,” he said.
Peter Obi’s visit to the displaced community in Plateau State has again drawn attention to the humanitarian consequences of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, particularly the displacement of families and disruption of children’s education.
The NDC candidate called for stronger government action to protect citizens, confront perpetrators and create the conditions necessary for displaced Nigerians to return home.