By Joel Ajayi
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has strongly condemned the recent arson attack on the National Open University (NOUN) Ezeoke Nsu Center in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, allegedly perpetrated by miscreants.
The Commission also warned against the dissemination of false information by the media, which could further incite unrest and contribute to the destruction of properties.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI Tijani Ahmed emphasized its commitment to the protection and welfare of refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons across Nigeria.
The NCFRMI representative stated, “We have convened this press conference today to address the unfortunate events following our visit and subsequent briefing in Imo State on September 16, 2024, which led to the massive destruction of properties in Nsu Ehime Mbano.”
“Our visit to Imo State was to inspect a property located at the National Open University Center in Nsu Ehime Mbano for the establishment of a skills acquisition centre. The centre is intended to train persons of concern and youths from the five southeastern states, including returnee migrants, refugees, and displaced persons.”
He explained that the Commission’s goal was to explore the feasibility of using the facility to empower vulnerable populations, including victims of floods, communal clashes, and other crises. The centre could potentially serve as the regional headquarters for this initiative in the southeast.
“Displaced persons, including those affected by floods and other crises, are present throughout Nigeria, particularly in places like Orlu, Njaba, and Orsu areas of Imo State,” he noted. “We aim to equip them with skills for self-reliance, providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives.”
The NCFRMI further clarified that similar skills acquisition centres are planned for each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, aligning with the Commission’s “Skills to Wealth” initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
However, following the press briefing, misinformation about the visit’s purpose led to tension and unrest, resulting in the burning of several homes, including that of Senator Frank Ibezim, who facilitated the visit.
The Commission unequivocally stated that its interventions in Imo State and the southeast region are humanitarian, with no political motives. “We categorically deny any intention of relocating internally displaced persons (IDPs) from northern Nigeria to the southeast,” the representative emphasized.
He also stressed that no financial transactions occurred regarding the use of the NOUN facility, as it is a government property. The proposed establishment of the skills centre is a purely humanitarian project designed to benefit displaced persons, returnees, and other vulnerable groups, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious backgrounds.
The Commission expressed deep regret over the media misrepresentation that sparked the unrest and property destruction. “Unfortunately, misinformation has caused distress within the affected community,” the official said. “The NCFRMI operates based on humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and transparency.”
The NCFRMI remains committed to supporting displaced persons across Nigeria. “Out of the over 6 million displaced individuals in Nigeria, many are in the southeast, affected by environmental issues such as erosion and landslides,” he added. “In 2024 alone, the Commission facilitated the return of 4,550 stranded migrants, with 30% from the southeast.”
He concluded by emphasizing that the proposed skills centre in Nsu Ehime Mbano is part of a broader strategy to provide sustainable solutions for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons.
The Commission also condemned the arson attack on the NOUN Center and expressed deep sympathy to the Executive Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and the people of Imo State. They urged members of the affected community to remain calm and avoid further acts of violence, stressing that the assets destroyed belong to them.
“We appeal to the community to refrain from any further destruction and work towards restoring peace,” the NCFRMI representative urged. Compose MessageCompose Message
