Challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) and Peace Building Process (A Study of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council of Plateau State)
Ojo, S. Stephen PhD
Department of Social Development
Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, Nigeria
Email: steve234_1@yahoo.com
&
Fanto, N. Shendam
Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja
ABSTRACT
The displaced persons go through these numerous challenges despite the fact that home government, international organizations and nongovernmental organizations offer one form of assistance in support of these displaced persons, but instead to end their sufferings, they continue to experience untold hardship without any lasting solution. The objective of this study is to examine some of the challenges faced by internally displaced persons in the context of peace building process. The study adopted qualitative research design which is descriptive in nature and purposively sampled 30 respondents from various groups represented in the camp. Focus group discussion method was used to collect data. Findings from the study has however prove that IDPs go through numerous challenges, from shortage of food supply, poor sanitation and health care, to lack of security, and the prevalence of rape and abuses in the camp. It therefore conclude that peace building process of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction are the most crucial component to resettlement of these vulnerable people. Government need to take proactive steps in providing the needed incentives and provide security for the IDPs. Again, good governance is a panacea to peaceful coexistence.
Keywords: challenges, internally displaced persons, peace building, process
