World Refugee Day: Millions of Nigerians are refugees in their own country amid rising insecurity – Obi

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Nigeria, describing the situation as a reflection of the country’s inability to adequately protect its citizens.

In a message marking World Refugee Day on Saturday, Obi said millions of Nigerians have effectively become refugees within their own country due to terrorism, banditry and persistent violent attacks.

According to him, many communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria and other affected regions, have been forced to flee their homes, while overcrowded IDP camps have become a painful reminder of the nation’s security challenges.

“Today is World Refugee Day.

“Yet, millions of Nigerians have become refugees in their own country. Across the North and other parts of Nigeria, communities have been displaced by terrorism, banditry and violent attacks, with IDP camps now a painful symbol of our national failure to protect our people.”

Obi noted that many displacement camps lack adequate funding and basic facilities needed to support thousands of displaced families.

“Many of these camps are grossly underfunded and inadequate for the thousands forced to live there. Families struggle daily for food, healthcare, education and basic dignity. For many, survival has become their only reality.”

The former Anambra State governor highlighted the impact of insecurity on education, agriculture and everyday life, saying many Nigerians now live under constant fear.

“Children are abducted from schools. Families are forced to flee their homes. Farmers abandon their lands. Citizens live in fear of kidnapping and violence.”

He also expressed concern that worsening insecurity has reduced the chances of many displaced persons returning safely to their communities.

“Worse still, with insecurity continuing to spread and intensify, there is little hope for many displaced Nigerians to return to their communities and rebuild their lives safely. This is not OK.”

Obi urged Nigerians to remember the human stories behind displacement figures and statistics, stressing that those affected deserve protection, dignity and hope.

“On this World Refugee Day, we must remember that behind every statistic is a human life disrupted, a family uprooted, and a future put on hold. Nigerians deserve safety, dignity and the right to live peacefully in their own country.”

He concluded his message with his familiar call for national renewal, stating: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”