Lived Experiences and the Challenge of Security and Governance among the Internally Displaced Persons in the Geo-Sciences Camp, Jos South LGA: The Need for Technology

Abstract

Social justice, security, rule of law and good governance are essentialities for national development. In the most recent decades, various scientific inventions in transportation, weaponry, information and communication technology (ICT) inter alia have contributed significantly in improving security and enhancing social justice, rule of law and good governance. However, the experience of vulnerable groups particularly displaced persons regarding security and their perception of social justice, rule of law and good governance is always dire. This study interrogates the lived experiences of displaced persons at the Geo-Sciences IDP Camp, Zawan, Jos South LGA of Plateau State on the above; and the contributions of science and technology in mitigating some of the issues. This is a qualitative study which utilized both primary and secondary data utilized in the study include: oral interviews with some of the IDPs and camp leaders, reports by various organizations, observations, pictures inter alia. The secondary data utilized in the study include: published books, journals and articles sourced electronically and in the libraries. The study revealed that the displaced persons at the Geo-Sciences IDP Camp were exposed to inhuman conditions of insecurity; they had a negative perception of rule of law, social justice and good governance. Findings further revealed that the use of technology can significantly improve the situation so that the displaced persons are not completely alienated. It was therefore, recommended that technology could be leveraged to improve on the security of the displaced persons at the IDPs camps, as well as create an atmosphere and feeling of social justice and good governance