Territoriality, Identity Politics, And Population Displacement: Interrogating The Tiv-Jukun Conflict In Wukari LGA, Taraba State

Abstract

This study interrogates the nexus between territoriality, identity politics, and population displacement within the context of the protracted Tiv –Jukun conflict in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. Anchored on qualitative research methodology, the study utilizes in-depth interviews and focus group discussions conducted across multiple conflict-prone wards to explore how competing claims to land, historical narratives of indigeneity, and political exclusion fuel cyclical violence and forced displacement. Drawing insights from Contact Theory, the study finds that territoriality in this context transcends geographical boundaries, manifesting as symbolic and political claims to space, traditional authority, and cultural legitimacy. The indigene-settler dichotomy, entrenched by colonial legacies and perpetuated by contemporary political actors, has created rigid identity boundaries that limit integration and exacerbate marginalization. Furthermore, the study reveals that identity-based discrimination, exclusion from political appointments, and unequal access to land and public services significantly contribute to the displacement and disenfranchisement of Tiv populations. The findings underscore the need for inclusive governance, equitable land rights, and intercultural dialogue as pathways toward lasting peace. The study recommends state-led institutional recognition of long-term settler communities and the establishment of sustained community-based peace building mechanisms to bridge identity divides and prevent future conflict.