Refugee Commission condemns Imo arson, says intervention misconceived

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has condemned the arson attack on the National Open University in Nsu Ehime, Mbano, Imo state.

NCFRMI Federal Commissioner, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, at a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, said the massive destruction of the Internally Displaced Persons Skills Acquisition Camp was unjustifiable.

He noted that the Commission’s intervention in Imo has no political motives, but to provide durable solutions for persons of concern in the southeast.

Ahmed explained that the incident occurred shortly after his visit to Imo to inspect the property located at the premises of the National Open University Centre.

It would be recalled that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a press statement, rejected the establishment of Internally Displaced Persons’ Skills Acquisition Camp in Imo.

Ahmed said the intention of the commission was misconceived and the visit was for the establishment of a skills acquisition centre aimed at training persons of concern and youth from the five southeastern states.

He added that the initiative does not in any way intended to bring IDPs from the northern part of Nigeria to reside in the southeast.

“The proposed establishment of the skills acquisition centre was purely a humanitarian initiative designed to serve as a critical resource and provide training in areas such as vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and capacity building.

“These programmes will benefit displaced persons, returnee migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups, irrespective of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious inclination within the southeast region.

“Displaced persons are found throughout Nigeria, including those affected by floods and other crises in places like Orlu, Njaba, and Orsu areas of Imo,’’ he said.

Ahmed noted that similar skills acquisition centres were being proposed to be established in all the six geopolitical zones of the country to serve the populations in each respective zone.

According to him, no fewer than six million people facing displacement in Nigeria, a significant number reside in the southeast.

Ahmed recalled that in 2024, the Commission facilitated the return of 4,550 stranded migrants, with no fewer than 30 per cent of them originating from the southeast.

“Additionally, the region hosts approximately 500 non-Nigerian national currently seeking for asylum as refugees in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, after the press briefing, some individuals spread false information regarding the purpose of the visit and the intended use of the facility.

“These individuals misunderstood the Commission’s objectives, leading to tension that culminated in the burning of several homes, including that of Sen. Frank Ibezim, who facilitated the visit and accompanied my team during the visit.

“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.

“The commission equally wants to state that no money was given to any person or persons for the purpose of utilising the facility as it belongs to the government,’’ he explained.

Ahmed, however, said that the Commission was committed to working closely with local authorities, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to restore peace, trust and development in the region.

He expressed the commission’s deepest sympathy to Gov. Hope Uzodimma, and the people of Imo over the tragic event.