An Evaluation of the Causes and Efforts Adopted in Managing the Ethnic Conflicts, Identity and Settlement Pattern among the Different Ethnic Groups in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Over the last few years, existing theory explaining the link between group identification and effective intergroup relations has been largely guided by social psychological theories of intergroup conflict such as social identity theory. This theory provides a sturdy framework for examining people identification in such societies and for an intergroup perspective. Often times, this identification leads to ethnic conflict as the different ethnic groups claim ownership of the land and control of the natural resources and struggle for power. The Warri ethnic crisis of March, 2003 is a good case in point. The study area is the oil city of Warri in Delta State, Nigeria, where the three major ethnic groups in the city, namely, Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo are always involved in ethnic conflicts. The work explored the historical background of the migration of the different ethnic groups and their mode of identification with each other in time past and the present. The work also examined the causes of the ethnic conflict among them and the efforts of managing it. Secondary sources were utilized in information gathering. Researchers, policy makers and development workers would benefit from it as they seek undistorted information on conflict management, especially in south-south Nigeria.