Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for urgent government intervention at the Ramin Kura Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Sokoto State, after expressing concern over the living conditions of more than 1,000 displaced Nigerians.
Obi made the call after visiting the camp in Sokoto North Local Government Area on September 29 as part of his two-day engagement in the state. He said many residents were living in makeshift shelters and thatched rooms, with some rooms accommodating as many as 10 people.
The former Anambra State governor also identified inadequate toilet facilities, the absence of a primary healthcare centre and the lack of a basic school for children as major challenges confronting residents.
Reflecting on the wider implications of displacement, Obi said, “I have always insisted that as long as even one Nigerian lives in an IDP camp, we are all internally displaced.”
He urged the government and relevant agencies to improve the immediate conditions at the camp while addressing the security problems that forced residents to leave their communities. Obi said the ultimate objective should be to create conditions that would allow displaced Nigerians to return safely to their ancestral homes.
The visit is significant as insecurity continues to contribute to displacement in parts of Nigeria, particularly across the North-West. Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu recently said his administration would continue working with security agencies to combat banditry and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their communities.
Obi said the Sokoto visit was his 12th to an IDP camp in Nigeria and pledged continued support for displaced persons. He also urged political office holders to spend time within the country to better understand the challenges facing vulnerable citizens.
The Ramin Kura situation highlights the humanitarian consequences of insecurity and the continuing need for adequate shelter, healthcare, education and security for internally displaced Nigerians while efforts continue toward their safe return home.
