Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa with a
population of over 140 million. 48% are roughly Christians, 50%
practice Islam and about 2% adhere to other religions. The northern part of the country
is predominantly Muslim with an estimated 5% of Christians living there.
Nigeria is beset with many problems ranging from governance
issues, persistent poverty amongst the majority of the population and (more
disturbing) religious conflict in the north of the country perpetuated
by an extremist group Boko Haram.
The general consensus is that the activities of Boko Haram
may soon reach a tipping point that could cause further violence in various
parts of the country. The bomb attack in Kaduna which occurred a few
days ago brings the death toll to over 770 people this year alone and raises
concerns about the vulnerability of residents living in parts of the
country.
Older people affected by displacement
This ongoing crisis is bound to increase the vulnerability
of older people in the form of displacement from their homes, life threatening
injuries to the most frail and psychological harm as they continue
to live in fear for their lives.
The impact of conflict on older populations is always best
viewed through the lens of disadvantage. Older people in Nigeria are particularly
disadvantaged because they are unlikely to be part of the labour market and more
likely to be made homeless. With limited
places to turn to for help, the direct impact of losing the main provider of
the household in a bomb attack or the loss of assets are risks that beset many older people.
More information on older people’s situation needed
What can be done to help older people caught in the
conflict?
A phone call survey like the one conducted during the Kyrgyzstan’s crisis in June 2010 by HelpAge might help to draw a true
picture of the situation of older people in these affected parts of the
country.
Non-governmental organisations (local and international) can
also play a huge part in temporarily providing housing, food and clothing for
older people and their families – and with the help of the Nigerian government
help them resettle in a much safer part of the country.