Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has visited an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 500 displaced Nigerians are taking refuge.
Obi disclosed this in a statement on X on Wednesday, a day after his delegation was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata in Benue State to visit displaced persons and families affected by attacks in the community.
According to Obi, he travelled to Mangu after the Benue incident, where he said he had planned to visit families affected by the violence and displaced residents.
He described the situation in Mangu as “deeply disturbing,” saying more than 45,000 people had reportedly been displaced and over 20 communities sacked by terrorists.
Obi said the displaced Nigerians were eager to return to their ancestral homes, rebuild their communities, cultivate their farms and resume their lives in peace and dignity.
“As long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor urged the government to intensify efforts to secure affected communities and restore public confidence, stressing that every Nigerian deserves protection regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
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He also called for measures to facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced persons, as well as support to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
“Our displaced citizens must not become forgotten Nigerians,” Obi said, noting that the crisis had disrupted their homes, livelihoods and futures.
During the visit, he said he offered modest support to displaced families as a gesture of solidarity and compassion.
Obi’s visit to Mangu followed the controversy surrounding his attempted visit to Yelwata in Benue State. His convoy was reportedly blocked by youths along the Makurdi-Gboko highway, preventing him from reaching the community.
The NDC alleged that suspected thugs were behind the blockade, while the Benue State Government denied involvement and said it was not officially aware of Obi’s visit. Authorities have said the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
Obi said the plight of displaced Nigerians underscores the need for stronger security measures across affected communities.
“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,” he said.