Inter-Group Relations and Conflicts in Jos Metropolis: A Study of Hausa Migrants and Host Community, 1915-2022

Abstract

The study of inter-group relations in Nigeria is a heavily tasked subject because of the impact it has had in the nation in the area of group conflicts, bitterness, rivalries and hatred. It is rather unfortunate that the various Nigerian groups, which in the past lived in harmonious and cooperative relations, now live in animosity. This paper is an attempt to examine the nature and significance of Inter-group Relations in Jos Metropolis with focus on Hausa Migrants and the Host Community between 1915 and 2022. Structurally, the paper is divided into several parts, the first of which is the introduction, sections two and three examine the settlement of Hausa community in Jos metropolis and brief explanation on the introduction of Islam to Jos and economic contributions of Hausa migrants to the growth of Jos metropolis. Part four examines the causes and course of conflicts between the Hausa migrants and their Jos hosts. Section four shed some light on the socio-economic effects of Jos conflicts on migrant groups and the host community, while the last section is the conclusion. The paper depends largely on primary and secondary sources of history. The field work conducted shows that inter-group relations between the Hausa and the host community have led to the loss of lives and properties destroyed. The paper in the final analysis put forward certain recommendations on how to maintain peace for sustainable development in the town.