Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged the government to intensify efforts to end insecurity and facilitate the safe return of Nigerians displaced by banditry. On October 1, 2026, Obi visited an Internally Displaced Persons' camp in Sokoto State, where he interacted with residents and assessed their living conditions. The visit was part of his campaign to understand the plight of Nigerians affected by insecurity.
During his visit, Obi expressed concern over the continued displacement of Nigerians, particularly in a country not at war. He stressed that the government must guarantee the safety of those willing to return home. According to Obi, displaced persons want to return to their communities, but require assurance of safety. He emphasized that the government's inaction was unacceptable, citing the impact on the entire country.
Obi also expressed concern over the conditions at the camp, particularly the absence of healthcare and educational facilities for displaced persons. He encountered a child with an injured hand and was informed that there was no primary healthcare facility available to attend to residents. Obi described the situation as unacceptable, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized that no Nigerian should live in an IDP camp, especially in a country not at war. He added that even in times of war, the government should take care of its citizens. Obi's visit to the camp was part of his effort to listen to the concerns of displaced persons and understand their needs.
On his immediate support to the camp, Obi said his visit was primarily to monitor the situation and listen to the concerns of the displaced persons. He made a personal contribution to support the residents but stressed that individual donations could not replace the responsibility of the government. Obi emphasized that the government should take care of the situation and ensure that displaced persons are not left in camps indefinitely.
Obi plans to continue visiting IDP camps and communities across the country to hear directly from Nigerians affected by insecurity. He has been in Sokoto since the previous day, meeting with various groups and individuals to understand their experiences. Obi's efforts aim to bring attention to the plight of displaced persons and advocate for government action.
The visit by Obi highlights the need for the government to prioritize the safe return of displaced persons and address the root causes of insecurity. Key issues raised during his visit include the lack of healthcare and educational facilities in IDP camps. Three key concerns have emerged: the need for government action to end insecurity, the importance of providing adequate facilities in IDP camps, and the requirement for a safe and dignified return of displaced persons to their communities.
Key points
- Peter Obi visited an IDP camp in Sokoto State to assess living conditions and advocate for the safe return of displaced persons.
- Obi expressed concern over the absence of healthcare and educational facilities in the camp.
- He emphasized the government's responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens and facilitate the return of displaced persons.
