AGING, DISPLACEMENT, AND COPING WITH COVID-19 IN PRECARIOUS SPACES IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract Nigeria is witnessing internal displacements due to terrorism and kidnapping across many communities with more of these evitable challenges in the North Eastern region. These challenges are impacting on older people amongst other social categories that have been displaced, killed or kidnapped across different communities. The outbreak of covid-19 and the poor social support for older persons and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria imply that survivors in such precarious spaces are likely to face challenges with implications on their well-being and meanings attached to life. This paper explores ageing in precarious spaces that have been ravaged by terrorism and banditry and the outbreak of covid-19. The narratives of the 15 older persons aged 57 to 82 years living in Internally Displaced Camps revealed some dimensions of hopelessness, despair and the acceptance of present challenges as fate and structural defects. Awareness and adherence to covid-19 protocol was poor. Moving away from communities of residence represent diverse forms of loss that transcends material things. Sharing of experiences, prayers and relief materials from non-governmental agencies were considered as instrumental in coping with their daily challenges. The hope of returning to their communities of residence was doubted and considered risky. The belief that their seeds would have a better future was expressed by all the participants, with the females affirming such expectation than the men. Integrating displaced older persons would require more than existing efforts being taken by Nigerian government across levels.