Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, has expressed dismay over the recent attack on the National Open University Centre in Nsu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement released by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Zahra Rufai, Ahmed condemned the attack during his address at a conference in Abuja.
He decried the violent incident, which led to the destruction of the university premises and several homes in the area.
Ahmed also highlighted that he had recently visited the university to evaluate its potential as a skills acquisition centre for training Persons of Concern (POCs) and youths from the five Southeastern states.
He said the centre was intended to provide crucial support for returnee migrants, refugees, displaced persons, and victims of floods and communal clashes.
“Unfortunately, misinformation spread by certain unscrupulous individuals regarding the purpose of the visit and the facility’s intended use sparked tension in the community. This tension ultimately culminated in the attack on the university premises”, he said.
Ahmed clarified that the media misrepresented the purpose of his visit during a press briefing in Imo, stressing that it was solely focused on assessing the potential of the centre for vocational training and rehabilitation.
He said the initiative aims to benefit the most vulnerable, including displaced persons and at-risk youth.
The commissioner condemned the attack, highlighting that violence fueled by misinformation threatens the ongoing efforts to support these communities.
He urged both the media and the public to seek out accurate, verified information, calling for calm in light of the incident.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to its mandate of assisting returnee migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, pledging continued efforts to establish centres that bring hope and empowerment to affected individuals.
