Obi Sounds Alarm on Dire Conditions at Sokoto IDP Camp

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2027 elections, has raised urgent concerns regarding the overcrowded conditions at the Ramin Kura Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Sokoto State. During his visit, he reported that as many as 10 displaced individuals are crammed into a single room.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made these remarks in a statement shared on his X handle following a two-day engagement in Sokoto. He highlighted the camp's alarming situation, which currently houses over 1,000 internally displaced persons living in makeshift shelters and thatched accommodations.

The lack of adequate facilities at the camp was another point of concern for Obi. He noted the absence of proper toilet facilities, a primary healthcare center, and a basic school for the children residing there. 

“Urgent government intervention is needed,” Obi asserted, calling on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to address both the immediate needs of the displaced individuals and the ongoing security issues that have uprooted them from their homes.

He emphasized that the ultimate goal should be to restore security and create conditions that would allow the displaced to safely return to their ancestral lands. Obi's visit to Ramin Kura marked his 12th inspection of IDP camps across Nigeria, reinforcing his commitment to support displaced Nigerians.

“As long as even one Nigerian lives in an IDP camp, we are all internally displaced,” he stated, urging the government to improve temporary accommodations for these individuals and to tackle the underlying security challenges.

During his Sokoto visit, Obi also consulted with various groups on pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, and drug abuse. The discussions underscored the necessity of immediate action in addressing the needs of those affected by displacement.

In a related call to action, Obi urged political leaders, including the President, to spend their holidays within Nigeria. He believes this will provide them with firsthand insight into the struggles faced by vulnerable citizens.

“This is why I continue to say that the President’s and political office holders’ holidays must be within Nigeria, so they can see firsthand the difficulties faced by these fellow Nigerians,” he emphasized.

Obi concluded by reiterating the need for immediate government action to meet the pressing needs of the displaced and to resolve the security challenges that prevent their safe return to their communities.