Chief Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer, has urged the Federal Government to establish a special annual budget for vulnerable people in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday during a visit to the Durumi IDP camp in Abuja to mark his 67th birthday, Ozekhome warned that failure to address the needs of IDPs could lead to future security risks, with marginalized individuals potentially turning to crime as a form of retaliation.
“When these children grow up and realize that society has denied them many opportunities, they may resort to violence,” Ozekhome said. “People with stable livelihoods do not pick up arms to live in forests or ambush others. Many bandits act out of resentment toward a society they see as unkind.”
He emphasized the need for the government to implement welfare initiatives for these vulnerable groups, as mandated by Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution, which highlights the government’s duty to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens.
Ozekhome also called on private organizations and compassionate Nigerians to continue supporting the less fortunate. “I chose to celebrate my 67th birthday at the Durumi IDP camp because of the dire conditions here,” he noted.
During the visit, Ozekhome distributed food, beverages, and bottled water to camp residents, accompanied by his family and well-wishers. Mrs. Jumai Ibrahim, a beneficiary, expressed her gratitude, saying, “My family and I haven’t had rice in a long time. God used him to bless us. I pray for more blessings and long life for him.”
