EXAMINATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CONFLICT IN JOS METROPOLIS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the factors influencing the ethnoreligious conflict in Jos, Plateau State Nige-ria. The violent ethnoreligious conflict between the Hausa-Fulani settlers (Jasawa) and the indige-nous tribes of Afizere, Beron and Anaguta in Jos metropolis has lasted for over two decades, re-sulting in needless colossal loss of lives, wanton destruction of properties and unprecedented hu-manitarian crisis in the state. In spite of the measures taken to prevent the disastrous consequences experienced in Jos, the conflict continued unabated particularly from 2001-2010. The carnage has also led to residential segregation along religious and ethnic lines which constitutes a threat to peaceful coexistence among the residents of Jos. This paper observed that if the factors were not properly addressed, more violent conflicts might continue to reoccur not only in Jos metropolis, but also in the entire Plateau State with spillover effects in other states in the norther part of Nigeria. The purpose of this paper was to identify and examine the factors influencing the conflict with a view to addressing them in order to ensure a lasting peace in Jos. The paper adopted the docu-mentary research technique while the literature was reviewed thematically, conceptually and theo-retically. The paper found that the major factors responsible for the ethno-religious conflict in Jos include feud/dispute over ownership of Jos, indigene-settler dichotomy, religious dimensions, pro-liferation of small arms and light weapons as well as government failure to implement the recom-mendations of the various mediatory bodies. The paper recommended that the Federal Govern-ment should ensure expeditious passage and implementation of the 2022 Bill on Citizens right in Nigeria, the 2010 Bill on Firearms Control, setting up of a standing Inter-Faith Committee for in-ter-religious dialogue and tolerance as well as implementation of the recommendations of the vari-ous commissions of inquiry set up to look into the ethno-religious conflicts in Jos, Plateau State.