Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for urgent government intervention over the poor living conditions of displaced Nigerians at an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Sokoto State.
Obi made the call after visiting the Ramin Kura IDP Camp in Sokoto North Local Government Area during a two-day visit to the state.
The former Anambra State governor said he was deeply concerned by the conditions at the camp, where more than 1,000 displaced persons are reportedly living in makeshift shelters and thatched rooms.
According to Obi, some of the rooms accommodate as many as 10 people, while the camp lacks adequate toilet facilities, a primary healthcare centre and a basic school for children.
He described the situation as unacceptable and urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to take immediate steps to improve the welfare of the displaced persons.
Obi also called for greater efforts to address the security challenges that forced the residents to abandon their communities, stressing that improving conditions in IDP camps should go alongside efforts to enable displaced Nigerians to return home safely.
The NDC candidate disclosed that the Sokoto visit marked his 12th visit to an IDP camp across Nigeria, adding that he would continue supporting displaced persons.
He also renewed his call for political office holders, including President Bola Tinubu, to spend their holidays within Nigeria, arguing that such visits would expose them directly to the hardships confronting citizens.
Obi said the plight of displaced Nigerians highlights the need for government to give greater priority to security, basic infrastructure and human development.
