Nigerian Woman with Disabilities Leads Inclusion Movement
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the Invisible Barriers: Disability and Displacement in nigeria’s IDP Camps
Table of Contents
Published December 1, 2025, 04:17:57
A Life defined by Obstacles
“Sometimes, it feels like the world isn’t made for people like me,” said Shiminenge, her voice steady despite the weight of the words. In Gbajimba, north-central Nigeria, the 32-year-old navigates daily life in a camp for displaced people that offers little space, safety, or accessibility for people living with disabilities.
Around her, tents stretch across dry, uneven ground. Paths turn muddy and challenging when it rains.Toilets and water points sit farther than she can reach without help. yet every morning, she pushes through the same obstacles, steadfast not to disappear in a place that was never designed for her.
Shiminenge is one of more than 480,000 people displaced by intercommunal conflict in benue State.
She fled her village in Guma in 2018 and has since lived in a camp for internally displaced persons in Gbajimba.Like many others, she left with little more than the hope of finding safety.
But her journey began long before displacement.
© Iom/Elijah elaigwu
Shiminenge (right) has received support from the IOM and other humanitarian agencies.
At just nine months old, her parents were told she would never be able to walk after a diagnosis that shaped the course of her life. growing up with a mobility impairment meant constant adjustments and an early understanding of what it means to move through the world without accessible support.
Today, life in the camp has added another layer of difficulty. The lack of accessible infrastructure and tailored support exacerbates existing challenges, creating a cycle of dependence and marginalization.
The Scale of Displacement in Benue State
benue State has been grappling with a complex humanitarian crisis fueled by recurring clashes between farmers and herders. These conflicts, often rooted in competition over land and resources, have resulted in widespread displacement and a growing need for humanitarian assistance. The international Institution for Migration (IOM) reports that the Northwest and North-Central regions of Nigeria, including benue, continue to experience notable displacement.
According to the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Round 17 report from July 2025, benue State hosts a significant portion of the displaced population.the report details the specific needs of displaced communities, but data disaggregated by disability remains limited, hindering effective and targeted aid delivery