Promoting resilience among Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria as a method of combating psychological disturbance: The case of indigenes of Bakassi in Cross River State, Nigeria


ABSTRACT


                                                                  


As at 2015, the Internally Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) estimated there are about Two Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. Though some IDPs have returned to their communities between 2016 and 2017 following the intervention of the Nigerian military, escalation of violence in several places in Nigeria as well as refugees returned from countries in Africa and elsewhere have worsened the phenomenon of displacement in Nigeria. IDPs in Bakassi have received little from the federal government and have not been captured in the IDMC report. Literature reviewed indicate that the phenomenon of displacement and its attendant condition especially hunger is associated with psychological disturbances including major affective disorders, depression, antisocial personality disorders and schizophrenia. This study explored the circumstances internal displacement in Bakassi; utilized the qualitative research method of Focus Group Discussion to appraise the current situation in Bakassi and to generate information that is sacrosanct to the promotion of resilience among the IDPs. It was recommended that stakeholders adopt different strategies of promoting resilience including the strengthening of adaptive systems, adopt asset-focused approach as well as risk-focused approach in promoting resilience among IDPs to prevent psychological disturbances among this population.