The state, identity mobilization and conflict: A study of intra ethnic conflict in Ebira land, north central -Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused mainly on changes in the traditional institutions of governance occasioned by
colonial rule and the impact of such changes on the organization of social life of erstwhile republican
communities in Nigeria. These changes appeared to be the most fundamental and underlying cause of
incessant violent conflicts and the seeming powerlessness on the part of State authorities to exert
control and provide security to the communities. Relying essentially on content analysis of media
reports, materials from the archives including reports by colonial officials on the Ebira community
complimented largely with in-depth interviews carried out with leading actors in the conflicts, the study
also examined the overall impact of the crises of the Nigerian State on politics and society among the
Ebira and how that related to the dynamics of intra-ethnic violence. Among others, the study
recommends that there is an urgent need to emphasize informal and traditional approaches to conflict
management and peace building so as to ensure the empowerment of local communities and
institutions in the management of conflict.