Resilience and refuge and the lives of Liberian refugees in Oru Camp, Nigeria

The slave trade and colonialism between Africa and the outside world led to exploitation and population loss, especially among the active population, which resulted in series of inter-ethnic wars and undermined leadership in African institutions. Africans involved in protracted rivalries as a result of the unholy marriage of ethnic groups by former colonial powers. Armed conflicts have resulted in people fleeing their countries and seeking refuge abroad. For most refugees, life is humiliating. Rivalry between the indigenous and the Americo-Liberian people plunged the country into a decade-long armed conflict. Because of the conflict, scores of children have become orphans, internally displaced, and thousands became refugees. The neighbouring west African countries were overburdened with stranded refugees’ but with the aid of the Red Cross Society and the Nigerian government, host of the Liberian refugees were recognised for support.  This paper examines the life and administration of Liberian refugees in Oru Camp in Ogun State, Nigeria. Oral interviews and ethnographic fieldwork combined with secondary literature are the qualitative methods the researcher adopted to articulate the subject matter. It concludes that the refugees received social recognition, protection and economic support from their host government, donor organisations, and harmonious reception from the host community. Yet, some of the Liberian refugees chose not to return to their home country, rather integrated themselves into the Nigerian society.