The “situation” in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State has been described as “deeply troubling” by Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Elections.
Obi made the statement after visiting an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp that shelters more than “500” displaced persons in Mangu.
He made the visit to Plateau State on Tuesday 8 September, 2026 after his visit to Benue State was unsuccessful after being “prevented” from proceeding to Yelwata, where he planned to meet Nigerians who are displaced due to “recent attacks”.
Via X, Obi announced: “Yesterday, 8th September, following the unfortunate incident in Benue State, where our delegation was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata to visit displaced Nigerians and families affected by the recent attacks, I proceeded to Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where I visited an IDP camp housing over 500 displaced persons.”
In Mangu LGA, more than “45,000” people have lost their homes reportedly, while, over “20” communities have been deserted due to attacks from terrorists.
He said, these Nigerians only seek to go back to their “ancestral homes, rebuild and live in peace”.
The former Labour Party member is of the belief that, “all” Nigerians are displaced when “one” Nigerian is displaced; and called on the government to ensure these “beleaguered” communities are “secure”.
Obi said: “The situation in Mangu is deeply disturbing. Over 45,000 people have reportedly been displaced, while more than 20 communities have 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.
“As I have always maintained, as long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced.”
Obi, who contested in the 2023 Presidential Election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), said, the “confidence” of the people must be “restored”, adding, Nigerians have the right to “life”.
He said, displaced citizens must not be “forgotten”, and urged the government to make sure these Nigerians are returned to their communities
Obi said: “I therefore urge the government to do more to secure these beleaguered communities and restore the confidence of our people. The right to life, safety, dignity and livelihood must be protected for every Nigerian, irrespective of where they live, their ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
“Our displaced citizens must not become forgotten Nigerians. They are citizens of our country whose homes, livelihoods and futures have been disrupted. Government must create the conditions for their safe and dignified return, secure their communities and support them to rebuild their lives.”
The former Governor of Anambra State ended his visit by offering his “modest support” to the displaced families. He said, it is a “gesture of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity”.
