DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF ETHNORELIGIOUS CONFLICTS IN WUKARI, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The Jukuns of Wukari have engaged in several expansionist conflicts in the past. In spite of these exploits and conflictual relations especially with their neighbours, Wukari which serves as the ancestral home of all the Jukuns has remained relatively peaceful in the past. With the Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, Wukari appears to have endured recurring ethno-religious violence, leading to killings, destruction of lives, business investments, and properties worth several millions of Naira. Within the past six years in the present democratic governance, several incidences of ethno-religious conflicts have occurred in Wukari. Incidentally, efforts at ensuring the restoration of lasting peace have only provided a seemingly ephemeral peace. The Documentary method of data collection is employed, while using qualitative descriptive analysis, the study relied on Marxian conflict approach as its theoretical compass. This paper argues that the inability of the Nigerian state to utilize strategic democratic response in engaging the warring parties has deteriorated conflict situations in Wukari. It concluded that military response alone may not sufficiently address grievances. It recommended reintegration and transformation of the devastated communities, dialogue based on democratic principles and re-orientation to end frequent slide back to conflicts in Wukari.