Challenges of Post-crisis Resettlement
A Study of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja and Edo State, Nigeria
Abstract
Internal displacement of people has become a global social problem that requires urgent attention in order to prevent or reduce further escalation of the menace. The study examined the causes of displacement of people, problems of the internally displaced persons, effect of internally displaced persons on the society, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of the internally displaced persons back to the society. The study used qualitative method of data collection and analysis. Participants were selected from the following camps: New Kunchingoro, Gwoza/Bama and Abuja Area1Camps in Abuja and IDP Camp in Edo State situated in Ohugua near Benin. The study found that displacement of people is as a result of violent conflict occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram, herders/farmers clashes, flood, famine, draught and other natural disasters. It was also found that displaced persons face the problems of starvation, diseases as well as psychological problems. Another finding of the study is that incompatibility, lack of social cohesion, and unproductiveness on the part of the displaced person are the effects of displacement on the society. Finally, the study found that restoration of peace to the conflict-infested areas before the idea of rehabilitation and reintegration can come in through empowerment programme such as: skill acquisition, apprenticeship scheme, vocational training and other forms of technical education. The study recommended the need to engage warring parties in dialogue in order to find lasting solutions to the problem of violent conflict in Nigeria. Government should also look for a way of solving the varying problems of displaced persons in camps. On the issue of incompatibility and lack of social cohesion, the message of unity in diversity can go a long way in proffering solution to the problem. Finally, empowerment programme can ease the process of rehabilitation and reintegration of the IDPs to the society
