Gwamkat Gwamzhi
Bassa local government area of Plateau State has experienced multiple attacks, resulting in over 25,000 people being displaced and many young people turning to drug abuse to cope with the trauma of the conflict.
Nuhu Bulus explained, “This crisis has affected many youths, causing depression. You see young boys who have lost their parents or siblings in massacres, and they spiral into depression. The only escape they find is through drugs.”
One critical aspect of child development affected by these conflicts is education; displaced children often have their educational pursuits disrupted or cut short.
Amos Emmanuel, the proprietor of a local private school that supports IDP children’s education, said, “Most of the students we had at that time were less privileged, especially the children. So, we started this school to ensure that children displaced by conflict do not miss out on their education,” he said.
Emanuel also emphasised that these children have been mentally affected by their experiences, requiring individualised support to help them cope and learn effectively.
We did not choose the hardships life brought
Angelon Yusuf, displaced by the Garshish attack on Barkin Ladi in 2008, explained that shelter and other basic needs have become significant challenges. She lamented, “We have no space to lay our mats. As I speak with you, I am sick, and we are appealing for building materials to rebuild our homes after the rains.”
Sarah Ishaya said, “We did not choose the hardships life has brought us. We have been displaced and are taking refuge with relatives, with no access to farming inputs. Everything we had has been lost.”
Also widowed and displaced, Cecilia Paul and Maship Gyang expressed their need for farm inputs and highlighted the difficulty in accessing costly fertilisers.
An estimated 38 million people worldwide are forcefully displaced within the boundaries of their own country, and a study by the World Bank in 2013 suggested that one of the opportunities to improve IDP livelihoods is improving access to agricultural land and inputs.
Compounding recurring violence
The challenges faced by IDPs in Plateau State are compounded by the recurring violence, loss of property, and displacement, with Mangu in Plateau Central senatorial district serving as a hotspot.
Data from the Plateau Peace Building Agency indicates a significant number of deaths, displacements, and injuries resulting from these conflicts.
No relief or interventions!
The national IDP policy, signed in 2001 by the federal government, outlines measures for the prevention, protection, and resolution of IDP issues.
Nwanchukwu Asonwanchime, Head of Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, explained that the policy covers various sectors such as health, education, water, sanitation, and nutrition. Transitional learning centres for IDP children have been established in several states to support their education.
However, Plateau State, which has experienced recurring ethno-religious conflicts since 2001, has not yet benefited from these interventions, though Nwanchukwu mentioned that efforts are underway to extend these programmes to Plateau.
Dr Solomon Mangvwat, President of the Mwagavul Development Association, highlighted the challenges faced by IDPs in the Mangu local government area following the May 2023 attacks. He noted that while NEMA provided some food and essentials, faith-based organisations, NGOs, and well-meaning Nigerians have played a significant role in sustaining the camps.
During a radio programme, Senator Simon Mwadkon, representing Plateau-North, revealed that since the 2018 attack in Garshish, Barkin Ladi LGA, the federal government pledged N15 billion to the state during the Vice President’s visit, but no funds have been released, and he emphasised the need for the government to take more substantial actions to address the IDP situation.
Senator Mwadkon underscored that IDPs deserve adequate care, as they are suffering for a crime they did not commit. “These displaced individuals have been uprooted from their original settlements, most of which were agrarian societies where they were self-reliant“, and he called for collaboration between government, individuals, and society to rebuild the affected communities.
Addressing the ongoing crisis of internally displaced persons in Plateau State and other conflict-affected regions requires a multi-pronged approach, including government intervention, community support, and international cooperation.
The plight of IDPs should not be overlooked, and their needs must be met to ensure their well-being and facilitate their return to normalcy.
Photo Credit”Liza Gwamzhi
#This report , first published here by Gwamkat Gwamzhi, is part of the requirement for the Media Entrepreneur Fellowship, 2023. By the Africa Foundation For Young Media Professionals.
