IZIENGBE COMFORT EHIMWENMA

This study investigates the impacts of internal displacement due to insurgency on women and children in Nigeria, with a focus on the International Christian Centre, Uhogua, Benin City IDP camp. Driven by the Boko Haram insurgency and related conflicts, over 3.5 million Nigerians, predominantly women and children, are internally displaced as of 2024. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative data from in- depth interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative survey data from 100 participants (50 women and 50 children). Findings reveal severe disruptions in economic livelihoods, with 88–90% of respondents reporting reduced income opportunities, asset loss, and reliance on precarious informal activities. Psychologically, 92–93% noted high anxiety, hopelessness, and trauma symptoms, with only 23% acknowledging adequate mental health support. Access to healthcare and education is critically limited, with only 30% and 25% reporting sufficient services, respectively. Policy gaps are evident, with 90% highlighting inadequate economic interventions and weak government-NGO collaboration. Chi-square tests confirmed significant relationships between displacement and insurgency, economic livelihoods, and psychological effects. Grounded in ecological systems theory, vulnerability framework, and human security approach, the study recommends targeted economic empowerment, enhanced psychosocial support, improved healthcare and education access, and stronger policy implementation to address these challenges and foster resilience among displaced populations