Ethno-Religious Conflict in Jos Metropolis in Plateau State

This paper examined the factors influencing the ethnoreligious conflict between the Hausa-Fulani settlers (Jasawa) and the indigenous tribes of Afizere, Beron and Anaguta in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria. The conflict has lasted for over two decades, resulting in needless loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties particularly from 2001-2010, in spite of the measures taken to arrest the situation. The purpose of this paper was to examine the key factors influencing the conflict with a view to addressing them. The paper adopted the documentary research technique while the literature was reviewed conceptually. The paper found that the major factors responsible for the conflict include dispute over ownership of Jos, indigene-settler dichotomy, religious dimension, proliferation of small arms and light weapons as well as government failure to implement the recommendations of the various mediatory bodies. The paper recommended that Jasawa should be granted indigeneship/citizenship right in Plateau State but should relinquish ownership of Jos; continuous inter-faith/inter-ethnic sensitization to foster peaceful coexistence.