HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT: TOWARDS THE REINTERGRATION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS(IDPS) IN PUSHIT DISTRICT MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

This study examines the housing conditions, destruction patterns, and reintegration needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State. The study adopts the descriptive research design. Simple random sampling was used to administer questionnaire to 357 IDPs (mostly household heads and adults above 18 years) from seven (7) villages that were completely destroyed. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse a total of 232 valid questionnaires.  The findings revealed that before displacement, most households live in self-owned compound dwellings constructed with traditional materials. Banditry attacks impacted almost every house, with most houses entirely demolished. After displacement, most IDPs lived in rented and substandard housing, with most living in bad conditions lacking basic facilities. Despite these obstacles, cultural ties, access to farmland, and the restoration of livelihoods drive most of  the respondent’s strong desire to return to their ancestral communities. Their preferred assistance for reintegration includes reconstruction of destroyed homes and improved security. This study recommends that the government should engage physical planners to develop and implement a Comprehensive Reintegration Action Plan that holistically addresses housing reconstruction, security, essential services, and livelihood recovery for IDPs in Pushit District and other affected communities.