The Challenges of Managing Bomb Blasts Victims in Nigeria

Abstract

Bomb blasts have become a recurring decimal since its first appearance in the criminological scene in Nigeria in 1986. The paper examined the nature and patterns of Bomb Blasts in Nigeria; the effects on the victims and the citizenry, the treatment of the victims and the challenges which the victims of Bomb blast face in Nigeria. The author relied on personal observation and secondary sources for the data embedded and used the Life Style and Routine Activities Theories as guide for the research. The paper noted that bomb blast in the country has been in the form of parcel bombs, suicide bombing, planted Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and the targets so far had been churches, mosques, highways, telecommunication masts, military installations/police stations, government buildings, schools, soccer viewing centres and car parks to mention but a few. The effects of bomb blasts on the victims include death, permanent incapacitation, body injuries and psychological trauma and on the larger Nigerian society are development of crime/attack fear, lull on social and business activities. The paper noted that much is needed to be done to alleviate the sufferings of bomb blasts victims by government, private individuals and organizations which should include financial and medical compensation, increase in security surveillance, proper rehabilitation of the victims and adequate funding of Disaster Management Agencies.

Keywords: Psychological trauma, blast victims, insurgents, victimization, rehabilitation.