Ethnic Conflicts In Obi Local Government Area Of Nasarawa State

– Osekweyi David

Introduction

Ethnic conflicts, complex in nature and fueled by factors such as ethnic strength, class inequality, political opportunities, mobilization resources, interdependence, and international interventions, are a growing concern globally. This article delves into the dynamics of ethnic conflicts in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, examining their root causes and evaluating the efficacy of government interventions in mitigating such conflicts. Obi, a local government area in Nassarawa State endowed with Ebenyi oil, lies along Assakio Road in Kayarda and shares borders with the neighboring state of Benue to the south. Despite its natural blessings, Obi, the homeland of the Alago people, has grappled with recurring issues.

Body

The first crisis unfolded on June 20th, 2018, when an unidentified Fulani man trespassed into Jonathan Abisabo’s (late) farm with his cattle, consuming crops. Attempting to address the situation, Jonathan was fatally attacked with a cutlass. In the subsequent year, 2019, Jonathan’s younger brother, Abe Abisabo, met a similar fate on the farm.
Prior to these incidents, ethnic conflicts were not prevalent in Nigeria and rarely discussed. However, in Obi Local Government, a shadow of fear looms over farmers, who now venture to their fields in groups, questioning their safety. The perceived inadequacy of security forces has eroded public confidence.
Numerous instances of ethnic conflicts have unfolded in both Obi town and rural areas, with Fulani herdsmen emerging as a recurring threat to farmers. The once tranquil act of farming has become a perilous endeavor.

Call to Action

Addressing the challenges of ethnic conflicts reveals that 41.18% of respondents attribute the crisis to poverty, while 52.9% believe that government intervention has been ineffective. Additionally, a significant 71.6% express skepticism about the efficacy of traditional and religious leaders’ interventions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy stand out as conditions fostering conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and locals in Obi Local Government. To navigate these challenges, it is imperative that the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and social media platforms proactively engage in conflict prevention at the early stages. In negotiations between conflicting groups, the involvement of traditional heads and religious leaders is recommended to facilitate resolutions and foster communal harmony.

Osekweyi David  is an  #OOTC Champion working on EiE’s #myLGA project in Obi Local Government, Nasarawa State