Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Adamawa State, Nigeria

This paper examined the Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Adamawa State, Nigeria a region profoundly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and recurrent humanitarian crises. The research was guided by one key objective which is to ascertain the prevalent forms of GBV in IDP Camps. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study collected quantitative data through a structured questionnaire administered to 460 IDPs across six camps, selected via stratified random sampling. This was complemented by qualitative data from 40 Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions, using structured interview guides. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) computed with SPSS version 26 for the quantitative data, and thematic analysis conducted using NVivo software for the qualitative data. The results reveal an alarming prevalence of GBV, fulfilling the objective by identifying physical violence (Mean ≥3.15), emotional/psychological abuse (Mean ≥3.04), and economic deprivation as the most common forms. The findings indicated that GBV is a systemic feature of the displacement context in Adamawa, where intersecting vulnerabilities of gender, poverty, and displacement status converge. The study concluded that the cycle of violence is sustained by structural failures and deeply ingrained socio-cultural norms. Consequently, it recommended multi-faceted response centered on implementing integrated livelihood and economic empowerment programmes; strengthening physical protection and security within camps; enhancing legal accountability mechanisms to combat impunity; conducting community-led sensitization campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms; and scaling up accessible, survivor-centered health, psychosocial, and legal support services. This evidence-based approach is critical for policy formulation and humanitarian intervention aimed at mitigating GBV and promoting sustainable recovery in conflict-affected displacement settings.