‘We’re All Displaced if One Nigerian Is Displaced’

The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has said that “as long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” after visiting an IDP camp in Plateau State a day after his delegation was prevented from entering Benue State.

Obi, in a post on X on Wednesday, reflected on the incident in Benue State, where he was prevented from proceeding to Yelwata to visit displaced Nigerians and families affected by recent attacks.

“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,” Obi said.

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Obi described the situation in Mangu as “deeply disturbing.”

He said over 45,000 people have reportedly been displaced and more than 20 communities sacked by terrorists.

‘We’re All Displaced if One Nigerian Is Displaced’ - Obi (News Central TV) — ‘We’re All Displaced if One Nigerian Is Displaced’ – Obi. Credit: Peter Obi/x.

“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,” he said.

“As I have always maintained, as long as there is one displaced Nigerian, all Nigerians are displaced,” Obi said.

Obi urged the government to do more to secure “beleaguered communities and restore the confidence” of the 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,” he said.

He said displaced citizens must not become “forgotten Nigerians.”

The former Anambra governor added that the government must create the conditions for their safe and dignified return, secure their communities and support them to rebuild their lives.

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… pic.twitter.com/TTwM4R3vGR

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) September 9, 2026

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Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.