Ethno-Religious Violence and Neighbourhood Facilities Provision: Evidence From Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Neighbourhood facilities could be seen as auxiliary or ancillary infrastructural utilities and services that are essential part of residential accommodation. The value or worth of housing accommodation is being determined and assessed by looking at the nearby, surrounding and adjoining community public facilities, utilities and services that enhance and improve quality of life of the residents of such area. As a result of the persisting crises and violence that are witnessed in Jos metropolis, neighbourhood facilities were greatly affected. The provision, availability and maintenance of such community infrastructures in Jos are negatively affected and curtailed by the ongoing chaos. The study is aimed at examining the effect of sectarian violence and civil unrest on the provision, availability and maintenance of community facilities, utilities and services in Jos. Proportionate and stratified random sampling techniques were employed so as to generate the sample upon which the questionnaires would be administered. The study adopted different tools of analysis which include: tables, graphs, charts and discussions. The findings revealed that ethno-religious violence influence the provision, availability and maintenance of existing neighbourhood facilities in the study area. The implication of the study lies in the fact that neighbourhood facilities in the areas that are considered as safe zones were found to be in good state of repair as opposed to the unsafe zones. Therefore, the values of residential properties would rise in areas that are violent free and vice versa. The study recommends that neighbourhood facilities should be provided in all the areas affected by the crisis. The government should provide security in all the unsafe areas in order to prevent against vandalizing of the neighbourhood facilities.

Keywords: Ethno-religious Violence, Neighbourhood Facilities, Property Values, Services and Utilities