Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has visited internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge at the Central Primary School in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, donating ₦2 million to support families affected by insecurity.
Obi was accompanied by prominent NDC chieftain, Alfred Dapal Damiyal (ADD), who also donated an additional ₦2 million to the displaced families, bringing the total donation from the two political leaders to ₦4 million.
The visit was part of Obi’s solidarity tour of Mangu following recent attacks that forced residents from their communities and heightened concerns over insecurity in the area.
The delegation was received on behalf of the Mishkagham Mwaghavul by four district heads representing Mangu, Bungha, Kombili and Hale.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, the Mangu District Head expressed appreciation to Obi for identifying with the displaced persons and commended Alfred Dapal Damiyal for facilitating the presidential candidate’s visit to Mangu.
He described ADD as a son of the community who had demonstrated concern for his people by bringing Obi to directly engage with residents affected by insecurity.
During his interaction with the IDPs, Obi expressed concern over the continued displacement of Nigerians due to insecurity, describing the plight of internally displaced persons as a national issue requiring urgent attention.
“As far as IDPs remain displaced, the whole of Nigeria is displaced.”
Obi stressed that humanitarian donations, while necessary, must be accompanied by sustainable measures to restore security and create conditions for displaced families to return home safely.
He called for stronger action to protect vulnerable communities, rebuild affected areas and restore the livelihoods and dignity of Nigerians forced to flee their homes.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Obi to listen to the concerns of displaced families and engage with traditional leaders on the challenges confronting communities affected by insecurity.
With the combined ₦4 million donation by Obi and ADD, the NDC delegation reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected families while calling for lasting solutions that will enable residents of Mangu to return to their communities in safety and dignity.
