People's Perception on Ethno-religious Identity as a Cause of Conflict. A Case Study of Jos-North Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study sought to examine the influence of ethnic and religious identity on conflict formation and escalation of the Jos-North crises and provide proposals for new management strategies for the control of this social phenomenon. The study focuses on Jos-North metropolis in Plateau state Nigeria. The conflict in Jos characterized as inter-religious or inter-ethnic between the majority Christian ‘indigenes’ (Anaguta, Berom and Afrizare) and the minority Muslim Hausa-Fulani groups. The conflict erupted due to social and political exclusion on the basis of ethnicity and religion, discrimination and bias in government also increased the tension. The main purpose of the study was to provide an in-depth insight and understanding on the influence of ethno-religious identity on conflict. This study assumes that ethnicity and religion plays an important role in the escalation and formation of conflict. And it is expected that the findings would help in the mitigation of identity conflict. Qualitative research method was employed to secure an in-depth understanding and elicit practical experience and perception of the phenomena being studied. To ensure that people’s perception on the influence of ethno religious identity on conflict and their needs, interest and position were revealed, questionnaires and interviews were the method of enquiry. The sample of the study included 50 respondents from 4 wards in Jos-North metropolis. Data from the findings was presented descriptively using the thematic analysis. The findings revealed that Jos-North conflict is fueled by the fear of religious and ethnic domination and the need for recognition by the ethnic group. And, to mitigate this conflict there is need for dialogue, sensitization for community and religious leaders and amendment of the constitution to redefine the provision for indigeneship. The researcher recommends that there is need for the government and civil society to develop programs for social reorientation of the citizenry. And also put in place an operational preventive strategy in the form of early warning and preventive diplomacy.