“45,000 Nigerians Displaced, 20 Communities Sacked!” — Peter Obi Blasts Insecurity After Mangu IDP Camp Visit
By Passman Akpos
Former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure communities affected by terrorism and create conditions for the safe and dignified return of internally displaced Nigerians.
Obi made the call after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he said more than 500 displaced persons were being accommodated.
The visit came a day after Obi said his delegation was prevented from travelling to Yelwata in Benue State to visit families affected by recent attacks.
According to Obi, rather than abandon the humanitarian mission, he proceeded to Mangu, where he interacted with displaced families and witnessed what he described as a deeply disturbing situation.
He stated that more than 45,000 people have reportedly been displaced in Mangu, while over 20 communities had allegedly been sacked by terrorists.
“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.
The former governor stressed that displacement should not be treated merely as a humanitarian statistic, arguing that every displaced Nigerian represents a disruption of a family, livelihood and future.
“As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” he declared.
Obi urged the government to do more to protect vulnerable communities and restore public confidence in the ability of the state to guarantee the safety of citizens.
He maintained that the right to life, security, dignity and livelihood must be protected for Nigerians regardless of their location, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
According to him, displaced Nigerians must not become “forgotten Nigerians,” stressing that government has a responsibility to ensure that those forced from their homes can eventually return safely and rebuild their lives.
He also called for greater support for affected communities, including security, humanitarian assistance and measures to restore livelihoods.
The Plateau visit followed Obi’s earlier account of being stopped from reaching Yelwata in Benue State.
Obi had said his convoy was confronted by individuals chanting “Peter Obi, go back” as he attempted to visit families affected by the killings.
He described the obstruction as deeply distressing, insisting that his mission was humanitarian rather than political.
Obi said the experience reinforced his concern about the country’s worsening insecurity and the need for Nigerians to unite around the protection of human life.
He concluded his Mangu visit by providing what he described as modest support to displaced families, saying the gesture was intended to demonstrate solidarity, compassion and shared humanity.
“The New Nigeria we seek must be a country where every citizen can live, work, farm, raise a family and pursue their dreams in peace and security,” Obi said.
He reiterated his political mantra: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
