Conflicts Among Indigenous Ethnic Groups In Jos North Local Government Area

Conflict is a part and parcel of society. As long as there are people on the planet earth, there are bound to be conflicts in one form or another. However, problems arises when these conflicts become violent. Violent conflicts are ill-winds that blows no one no good. Nigeria, like other countries of the World, has in the recent years been engulfed in one form of conflict or the other, with its attendant loss of precious lives and properties among others. Be that as it may, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State-Nigeria, had over the years been one of the most peaceful places in the State in particular and Nigeria in general. This was because of its sereneness and near temperate climate. However, the area has recently been in the news (local and international) for the wrong reasons. This is because of the ethno religious conflicts that suddenly erupted in the area between the indigenous ethnic groups(Afizere,Anaguta and Berom people), who are predominantly Christians, and their opponents,the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group,who are Muslims.So many innocent,helpless,and precious lives were lost, and valuable properties destroyed. In another development,there is a 'cold-war-like' conflict among the Indigenous ethnic groups in the area. It is 'cold-war-like' because no clear case of confrontation has been recorded. At this juncture,it is worth reiterating that the conflicts within the Jos metropolis is in two-fold.First, between the indigenous ethnic groups and their Hausa-Fulani opponents. Secondly,is the conflict within the indigenous ethnic groups themselves. However,nothing or little is known about the existence of the latter conflict. Therefore,the purpose of this paper is to critically research,examine,and expose the areas of conflicts within the indigenous ethnic groups in the area. This study will adopt research methodologies that are based on observation,oral interviews, academic materials like books,journals and so on. It is hoped that this research will go a long way in exposing the areas and magnitude of conflicts within the indigenous ethnic groups in the area.