Paper short abstract:

The study explores the multidimensional sufferings of aged women forcefully displaced by wars in Benue state, Nigeria. Also examined their coping strategies through the challenges of old age, failing health, Covid-19, hunger, wars and displacement; noting roles of state-civil society organizations.

Paper long abstract:

Over 1.5 people have been displaced by protracted farmers-herders resource crisis and inter-communal wars in Benue state, Nigeria. Out of this over 1.5 million displaced persons hosted in 27 IDPs camps, elderly women, between the ages of 65-100 years, are over 40,000. Alongside other IDPs, they live in deplorable conditions like hunger, poor medical care, etc. Underlining illnesses have also left many bedridden, while some are lame, blind, and mostly dependent on others for survival. Usually, women are among the most vulnerable populations during wars, to be an aged further multiplies their sorrows. Drawing from the theory of state failure therefore, this study examined the impact of the wars on elderly women IDPs population in terms of health care and food provisioning responses; role of state-civil society; and the coping strategies of the women. The study argues that state failures and wars leading to displacement collude to create a situation of extreme sufferings for aged women, who need intensive care. Primary and secondary sources were adopted. Primary sources includes oral interviews with elderly women, in IDPs camps, Benue State Emergency Management Agency and Civil Society Organizations'. Data were qualitatively analyzed. Findings reveal that, at least 5 aged women die daily; the Covid-19 pandemic further worsened their woes, civil societies were overwhelmed; state officials diverts palliatives for personal use. The women resorted to protests, street begging, and self-medication. The study recommends dealing with the causes of the wars and creating aged care homes. In conclusion, the most vulnerable deserves great attention.