Insurgency and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria
Akpotor, J. Ph.D

Abstract
The paper examines posttraumatic stress disorder experienced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria owing to incessant insurgency. A number of factors such as endemic poverty, weak central state, widespread corruption, frustration, unemployment, ethnic tensions were identified as promoting the activities of insurgents in the country. It is argued that the spate of violent acts including sporadic bombing and killing of innocent citizens has contributed tremendously to internal displacement. The plight of IDPs in their various places of refuge can best be described as critically threatened since they are deprived of the most fundamental protection systems, such as community or family networks, accessibility to basic services, Means of livelihood and capital base. In addition they suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. Some forms of PTSD experienced by IDPs are self-destructive and impulsive behaviour, dissociative symptoms, somatic complaints, feelings of ineffectiveness, despair or hopelessness, social withdrawal, feeling constantly threatened, impaired relationships with others, or a change from individual’s previous personality attributes. The paper recommended, among others, the involvement of counselors/therapists to help facilitate the validation of IDPs traumatic experience in order to foster recovery as well as the provision of social support networks.

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