The Nigerian State and Management Of Internally Displaced Persons In The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Abstract

Previous efforts by the State in managing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria do not seem to have yielded the desired results, given reports of absence of basic essentials of life like food, shelter, potable water, medical services and security including rising cases of violence and rape among others perpetrated against IDPs. Thus, this study was prompted by the desire to examine the effectiveness of measures put in place by the State to manage the IDPs camps in Durumi and Kuchingoro and see how these have impacted on security in the FCT, Abuja. Human Security Approach and State Fragility Theory were used as a guide to the study, while data thereto were drawn from interviews and questionnaire administration and also from secondary sources. Findings had it that the role of the State in management of the camps is grossly flawed and inadequate. Equally disturbing was the finding that officers saddled with the responsibility of managing resources of the camps mismanaged same. Above all, this had negative effect on security in the FCT. Accordingly, it is recommended that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) be encouraged to play more active roles in ministering to the basic needs of IDPs in the area, while there should be effective training of staff of agencies engaged in the management of IDPs. Moreover, it is further suggested that appropriate sanctions be invoked and applied against those found to have diverted resources meant for the IDPs.