Nnadiebube Journal of Social Sciences

he aim of this study is to examine the experiences of girls living in IDP camps in Benue State, 8 Nigeria, and what FBOs could do to ameliorate their sufferings. The conflict in Benue State has 9 occurred between the Fulani pastoralists, or herdsmen, and the indigenous people of Benue and it 10 has led to the displacement of thousands of girls. Literature has not yet addressed the 11 experiences of girls in internally displaced camps and the work of faith-based organisations in 12 the various camps. Three camps in Benue State were chosen by the researchers. They are the 13 Makurdi, Guma, and Agatu camps. Thirty (N = 30) in-depth interviews (IDI) with female IDPs 14 in Benue State were conducted by the researchers. The participants were purposively selected. A 15 semi-structured interview was adopted, and the data was analysed using content analysis. 16 Emergent themes include the environment of the girl child in IDP camps, reasons for the abuse 17 of the girl child in IDP camps, and impacts of the abuse on the girl child in IDP camps. Girls in 18 Benue State's internally displaced people’s camps endure appalling living conditions, including 19 little access to basic amenities, a high risk of sexual exploitation, and few options for 20 employment and education.

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