Causes and Effects of Communal and Ethnic Conflicts in Tiv-Land

Abstract

Communal and ethnic conflicts have been endemic in Tiv-land and these have underdeveloped the area. In order to check the menace of the crises, the paper tried to unravel the causes and effects of the phenomena and as well proffered solutions to their causes so that the Tiv nation can grow and develop. Information for the study were gotten through primary sources via oral interviews, questionnaires, observation; and secondary data (textbooks, government documents and articles). The study discovered that the struggle for farmland and political positions are the major causes of conflicts in Tiv-land. Other causes of conflicts in the area are Iyuhe (envy), Tsav (witchcraft), greed and the struggle for chieftaincy positions, among others. To stem the tide of the conflicts, the paper recommended that: the Tiv Traditional council (T.T.C), rather than the law courts should settle land matters in Tiv-land, parties involved in disputes should embrace dialogue, the second term bid should be prohibited through constitutional review, and that retired public officers should be   encouraged by government to remain in the towns after their retirement.