By Felix Khanoba
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has strongly condemned the recent razing of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre in Nsu Ehime, Imo State.
The Federal Commissioner in charge of the Commission, Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, who stated this in Abuja, blamed the ugly development on misinformation peddled by some unscrupulous persons.
While condemning the the burning of the study centre premises and several homes in the area, Ahmed assured that the commission would continue to stand on its established mandate.
“The National Commission remains committed to its mandate of supporting returnee migrants, refugees, displaced persons and will continue working towards establishing centres that offer hope and empowerment to affected individuals,” Ahmed said.
Zahra Ahmed Rufai, Head Press and Public Relation Unit of the commission, in a press statement, stated that the commissioner had visited the NOUN Study Centre in Nsu Ehime Mbano to assess its potential as a skills acquisition centre for training Persons of Concern (POCs) and six youths from the five South-eastern states.
The statement noted that the visit was solely intended to explore the possibility of utilizing the centre for vocational training and rehabilitation, benefiting the most vulnerable in society, including displaced persons and at-risk youth.
The centre was intended to support returnee migrants, refugees, displaced persons, and victims of floods or 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,” the commissioner added
Ahmed emphasized that the media played a significant role in misrepresenting the purpose of his visit after a press briefing in Imo.
The Commissioner strongly condemned the attack, reiterating that such misinformation-driven violence jeopardizes efforts to provide essential support to vulnerable communities.
He further urged the media and the public to rely on accurate, verified information and called for calm in the wake of the incident.
