Abstract
Internal displacement remains a persistent humanitarian and psychosocial challenge in Nigeria, particularly among displaced Bakassi populations following the International Court of Justice ruling and the implementation of the Green Tree Agreement. Despite the establishment of resettlement camps in Cross River State, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to experience poverty, emotional distress, unemployment, social exclusion, and inadequate access to rehabilitation support services. This study examined the pastoral counselling, mental health, and psychosocial rehabilitation needs of internally displaced persons residing in selected Bakassi resettlement camps in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 9,450 internally displaced persons residing in Ikot Effiom Estate, Ekpri Obutong Estate, and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) Estate. A sample size of 450 respondents was selected using multistage sampling techniques involving purposive and simple random sampling procedures. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled Pastoral Counselling and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Needs Questionnaire (PCPRNQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Guidance and Counselling and Measurement and Evaluation, while Cronbach Alpha reliability analysis yielded a coefficient of 0.86. Data were analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, frequencies, percentages, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed substantial mental health, psychosocial, spiritual, vocational, and rehabilitation counselling needs among respondents. Emotional distress, hopelessness, anxiety, unemployment, poor living conditions, and perceived neglect were identified as major concerns affecting psychosocial adjustment. The study concluded that integrated pastoral counselling, psychosocial support services, vocational empowerment programmes, and sustainable rehabilitation interventions are essential for promoting emotional recovery, self-reliance, and successful reintegration among displaced populations.