Laraba MUREY
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, has addressed the recent unrest that erupted following its visit to Nsu Ehime Mbano, Imo State, on September 16, 2024.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, explained that the commission’s visit to inspect a property at the National Open University Centre for a proposed skills acquisition center was misunderstood by some members of the community.
According to him, this misunderstanding led to violence and the burning of several homes, including that of Senator Frank Ibezim, who facilitated the visit
He added, “The skills acquisition center is part of NCFRMI’s “Skills to Wealth” initiative, was designed to train returnee migrants, refugees, and displaced persons from the southeast, including those affected by natural disasters and communal clashes.
“The center would also benefit local youth by providing training invocationalskills, entrepreneurship, and capacity building.”
Ahmed clarified that the initiative is purely humanitarian, designed to serve as a critical resource and provide training in areas such as vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and capacity building.
“We want to categorically state that the NCFRMI’s intervention in Imo State and the entire southeast has no political motives and it does not in any way intend to bring IDPs from the northern part of Nigeria to reside in the southeast.”
According to NCFRMI, the misunderstanding was caused by false information spread after its press briefing. The Commission condemned the actions of those responsible for the unrest, particularly the arson attack on Senator Ibezim’s residence, and clarified that no financial exchanges were involved in the use of the government-owned facility.
“No money was given to any person or persons for the purpose of utilizing the facility, as it belongs to the government,” NCFRMI affirmed.
The Commission expressed regret over the media’s role in the dissemination of misleading information, which contributed to the tension in the community.
“We deeply regret the misrepresentation of information by the media that led to the unwarranted unrest and the destruction of properties by some unscrupulous elements,” NCFRMI said.
It added that the skills acquisition center would benefit all members of the southeast community, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation.
The NCFRMI appealed for calm and urged the community to refrain from further acts of violence. “We equally appeal to all members of the affected community to remain calm and avoid any further acts of violence and destruction of their own assets, as they all belong to them,” the Commission stated.
The NCFRMI reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to restore peace and promote development in the region.
“The proposed establishment of the skills acquisition center in Nsu Ehime Mbano Local Government Area is one of such projects aimed at providing sustainable and durable solutions for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria,” he said.
The southeast region of Nigeria has been significantly affected by ecological challenges, including erosion and landslides, which have displaced entire communities. NCFRMI reiterated the importance of establishing the center, as it would serve not only displaced persons in the region but also returnees and refugees seeking opportunities to rebuild their lives.
In 2024, the commission successfully facilitated the return of 4,550 stranded migrants, of which 30% were from the southeast. The region also hosts approximately 500 non-Nigerian asylum seekers.
