Implications of Indigene–Settler Conflicts on Socio-Economic Activities in Plateau State, 2000–2010

Abstract

The issue of indigene-settler rivalry was a major source of intractable violent conflict in Plateau State. The conflict pitched the indigenous ethnic groups against the Hausa/Fulani settlers, resulting in wanton destruction of lives and properties and the displacement of residents. While the crisis took on an ethno-religious pattern centred around identity, it resulted in the distortion of educational, religious, and social arrangements in Jos and other parts of the state, leading to a bifurcation along religious lines. This paper examines the implication of indigene/settler conflicts on the socio-economic activities in Plateau State. The paper argues that the effect of the sudden arrangements was as a result of the crisis which led to the forced relocation of residents to safe environments, the loss of properties in the affected areas, the distortion of the original master plan of Jos, and the development of slums in parts of the state. The paper blames this development on the indigene-settler dichotomy in Plateau State, which heightened the tempo of conflict rather than mitigating it.