Ali Baba Sanchi’s Bio
Ali Baba Sanchi is a Ph.D. candidate in the department of Anthropology, at UW-Madison. He already has obtained a master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology section of the department of Anthropology last Fall. He hails from Nigeria, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Linguistics. His research focuses on the cultural manifestations of trauma among the victims of Boko Haram’s insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping in northwest Nigeria. Also, he is interested in examining forceful migration, people’s memories of violence, trauma, and their experiences as internally displaced within the northern region of Nigeria.
Research Focus & Methodology
My research examines the enduring emotionally tormenting memories and trauma of violence experienced by victims through the movement of BH insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping attacks in northern Nigeria. The research aims to understand the impacts of memories and trauma on affected victims in the aftermath of criminal acts by answering the following research questions: What are the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder they encounter? What are the social consequences that victims face after leaving IDP camps or when they are displaced from their homes? What social networks and relationships do they rely on to meet their basic, daily needs?
I spent 8 weeks of summer from July 8th to August 26, 2024 conducting fieldwork ( observing,
conducting interviews, and archival research) in Northern Nigeria. The first four weeks in Maiduguri capital of Borno state in northeast, and four weeks in Kano state in northwest Nigeria. During my stay in these states, I visited IDP camps and conducted interviews with officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as well as officials of national and state media stations, NGOs. I also had the opportunity to access valuable archival materials, news reports, and interventions provided to victims.
In addition to visiting IDP camps, conducting interviews, and collecting archival materials, I also had the opportunity to engage and interact with scholars at the University of Maiduguri, and Bayero University Kano. Who gave me more insight into the intensity of how traumatic such a type of violence movement had on the northern states of Nigeria.
Research Significance
My research will significantly contribute to the study on trauma faced by victims of the ongoing insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping movement in northern Nigeria. The study will foster a deeper understanding of mental health issues and their societal impacts on the affected individual’s experience. Also, the research will contribute to developing effective interventions and support systems for the affected individuals. And further, fill in a gap within trauma knowledge and skills necessary for addressing mental and health challenges that are associated with violence. Engaging in this field encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and enriches the academic environment. Ultimately, my research will advance the understanding of trauma and will empower future professionals to create meaningful change in communities affected by violence.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the Williams A. Brown Research Award for funding my 2024 summer research trip to Nigeria, which supports part of my PhD dissertation research.