Humanitarian Crises in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps in Benue State, Nigeria: A Comprehensive Analysis

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue state, Nigeria face an escalating humanitarian crisis, marked by persistent conflict, forced displacement, and inadequate living conditions. This study examined the humanitarian crises in IDP’s (internally displaced persons) camps in Benue state, Nigeria based on the persistent herdsmen-farmers conflict resulting to displacement of people to camps. The study examined the multifaceted challenges experienced by IDPs in Benue state, Nigeria, addressing the root causes, prevailing conditions, and the response mechanisms in place. A total of 12 IDPs camps were selected from Six (6) affected local government (Guma, Makurdi, Gwer-west, Agatu, Logo and Kwande). Within the IDPs camps, a purposive sampling procedure was adopted to select 240 respondents from the selected 12 IDPs camps. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics such are percentages, mean and presented in frequency distribution tables, charts and graphs. The findings of the study revealed that, overcrowding and inadequate shelter, food and water insecurity, health challenges and inadequate medical services, protection and security concerns in camps are the major humanitarian crises in the IDPs camps. Although, there are humanitarian response efforts by government, NGOs, international organisations and well-meaning individuals, however it is grossly inadequate. The study concluded that there is urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the humanitarian crisis, involving collaborative efforts from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the international community. Also understanding the complexities of this crisis is crucial to developing effective strategies aimed at alleviating the suffering and rebuilding the lives of the displaced population in Benue state, Nigeria.