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Inter-Group Migrations, Conflicts and Displacement in Africa: A Historical Appraisal of the Central Nigerian Experience

Okpeh O. Okpeh, Jr, Department of History, Benue State University, Makurdi
okpehokpeh@yahoo.com

Inter-group migrations and conflicts are major features of human existence the world over. Indeed, being part of the social process, they have determined patterns of contact and interaction between groups. This is besides being major variables in the way and manner groups perceive themselves in relation with the scarce but allotable resources of society. Studies have shown that the depth of competing claims arising from such interactions impact significantly on the nature and character of the conflict that may arise between groups and the implications of these for peaceful co-existence. But while some societies have, to some extent, tamed the tiger of inter-group conflicts, others are at its mercy, much so, because of the debilitating consequences of such conflicts on women and children.
The African continent presents an interesting case study where inter-group migrations and conflicts have persisted, dating back to pre-colonial times. But since the grant of political independence in 1945, one African country after another has experienced one form of inter-group conflict or the other. The dimensions of these conflicts raise fundamental questions regarding the prospects of the post-colonial state in contemporary Africa that should interest scholars. We need to know how this came about in the first place. Furthermore, given the contemporary claims and counter-claims of interacting groups, we need to historicize inter-group migrations and its implications on conflicts in the African continent. It is also important to critically appraise the plights of displaced people as a result of such conflicts.
It is against this background that this paper proposes to examine inter-group migrations, conflicts and the displacement of people in the Central Nigerian area. The paper argues that the prevalence of inter-group conflicts in this region arises from a plethora of factors, which are related and multi-dimensional. It contends that being a region of immense human migrations and arising from the socio-economic and political deprivations suffered by the peoples of this region, the Central Nigerian area is no doubt an interesting inter-group conflict-prone area in Nigeria. On the basis of this, the paper attempts a comparative study of some of these conflicts and advances practical management strategies for plural polities like Nigeria.