Appraising Public Relations Strategies in the Management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nassarawa and Benue States

Abstract

This paper examines public relations strategies in the management  of internally displaced persons (IDPPs) in Nassarawa and Benue  tates. Anchored on Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) and using primary data gathered by means of Focus Group interview, the study reveals that effective public relations strategies have not been adopted in managing the IDPs in the two States. Although government has demonstrated considerable attempts at providing succour to the affected persons, findings show that such measures are inadequate and do not include situational crisis communication mechanism that would keep them abreast of meaningful programmes in that direction. The paper concludes that government has not manifestly recognized the role of public relations strategies in the management of IDPs in Benue and Nassarawa States. In view of this, it therefore recommends that government should, as a matter of importance, employ strategies, most especially the situational crisis communication approach, in the management of IDPs across Nassarawa and Benue States. The paper also reccomends that provision of good health facilities, hygiene, security, food, clothing, shelter and effective communication of same would serve as effective government public relations strategies in the management of IDPs in both States.