‘We are all internally displaced’ — Obi decries poor conditions at Sokoto IDP camp

Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has harshly criticized the Nigerian government for the dire conditions faced by more than 1,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Ramin Kura IDP Camp in Sokoto State. During a visit to the camp on Tuesday, September 29, Obi expressed his distress at seeing displaced Nigerians residing in makeshift shelters and thatched rooms, with some shelters housing up to 10 people.

The camp's inadequacies extend to basic necessities, as it lacks sufficient toilet facilities, a primary healthcare center, and a school for children.

In his statement posted on social media, Obi asserted that as long as one Nigerian remains in an IDP camp, all Nigerians are internally displaced. He urged the government to enhance the camp's conditions while addressing the security issues that compelled residents to flee their homes. Obi, who has made 12 visits to IDP camps across Nigeria, pledged to continue supporting displaced Nigerians.

Furthermore, the NDC candidate criticized the nation's political leadership, arguing that elected officials should live within Nigeria to witness firsthand the struggles faced by vulnerable citizens. Obi emphasized that the government must prioritize critical areas of development and immediately address the needs of IDPs. He also demanded action on pressing issues such as insecurity, out-of-school children, poverty, youth unemployment, and drug abuse, all of which he highlighted during his engagements in Sokoto State.