Abstract

Women and children are the most vulnerable to abuses, harmful practices, terrorism, insurgency and banditry, with millions already displaced by conflicts, especially in many parts of northern Nigeria. This has created significant challenges in the areas of food, water, sanitation, security, healthcare, education, among others. The insurgency in the northern part of Nigeria has led to higher number on internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, especially women and children living in IDP camps and refugee shelters. This study is focused on the increasing number of women and children in IDP camps, refugee shelters, the challenges and conflicts which brought about their displacement. Though it is difficult to have accurate data of the number of displaced persons as many have moved, some could not be accounted for and their still some that have not been reached. The study utilized data from factsheets and reports of Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), International Organization on Migration (IOM), Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), ACAPS, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and security trackers databases on refugees, IDPs, stateless persons, etc., provided by governments and non-governmental organizations. Charts, line graphs, area graphs, frequency and percentages were used to summarize and analyze the data to have clearer perspectives of the plight of women and children displaced by conflicts in Nigeria, the trend and prospects of curtailing it. The study recommended strategies to minimize/end the appalling violence, exploitation and abuse against women and children in the IDP camps and refugee shelters; and improve the well-being and dignity of women and children.