Conflict

Timeline of Conflict and Areas Affected

Plateau State has long been regarded as Nigeria’s “Home of Peace and Tourism,” owing to its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and hospitable people. However, in recent decades, the state has experienced recurring violent conflicts that have had devastating effects on its communities, economy, and cultural heritage. These conflicts have predominantly stemmed from ethno-religious tensions, competition over land and resources, and the changing demographics of the state.

Key Phases of Conflict in Plateau State

1. Pre-Colonial and Early Colonial Era (Pre-1900s – 1940s):

   • The Plateau region, known for its diverse ethnic groups, historically experienced localized disputes over land and political dominance.

   • However, many of these tensions were relatively contained due to traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, which involved local chiefs and religious leaders. The colonial administration also imposed political structures that mitigated major conflicts by consolidating power in local chieftains.

2. Post-Independence and Early State Formation (1960s – 1970s):

   • The creation of Plateau State in 1976 brought administrative autonomy, but also tensions regarding land ownership, especially between the indigenous groups (such as the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta) and settler communities (mainly Hausa-Fulani).

   • The state’s tin mining boom in Jos and its surrounding areas also attracted migrant populations, further contributing to inter-ethnic tensions.

3. 1980s and 1990s: Growing Tensions Over Land and Identity:

   • The growing competition for land between the local farmers (mostly from indigenous ethnic groups) and migrant pastoralists (mostly Fulani herders) began to intensify.

   • These tensions often led to small-scale skirmishes, especially in rural areas. Though initially localized, these clashes laid the foundation for the larger conflicts that would emerge in the early 2000s.

   • At this time, political representation also became contentious, with the indigenous groups feeling marginalized by the presence of "settler" communities in key government and economic positions.

4. 2001: The Jos Crisis:

   • The conflict in September 2001 is considered a major turning point in Plateau State’s history. It began as a localized dispute over the appointment of a local government official in Jos North LGA, but quickly escalated into a full-blown ethno-religious conflict between the predominantly Christian indigenous groups (e.g., Berom, Afizere, and Anaguta) and the predominantly Muslim Hausa-Fulani settler community.

   • Over 1,000 people were killed, properties were destroyed, and thousands were displaced. The 2001 crisis marked the beginning of recurrent cycles of violence in Plateau State.

5. 2004: Yelwa Shendam Massacre:

   • In May 2004, a series of violent clashes between Christians and Muslims in Yelwa, a town in Shendam LGA, resulted in one of the bloodiest episodes in the state’s history.

   • Over 700 people were reportedly killed, and the violence spread to surrounding areas, leading the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Plateau State, temporarily suspending Governor Joshua Dariye’s administration.

   • The massacre highlighted the deepening ethno-religious divide in the state, with local militia groups forming along religious lines.

6. 2008 – 2010: Jos and Barkin Ladi Riots:

   • In November 2008, another wave of violence erupted in Jos over disputed local government election results. The conflict once again pitted indigenous groups against settler communities, with hundreds of casualties reported.

   • This was followed by a more intense outbreak of violence in January 2010, when clashes between Christian and Muslim communities in Jos and its surrounding areas led to over 400 deaths.

   • The violence soon spread to rural areas, with communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs experiencing attacks from suspected armed militias. This marked a shift from urban conflicts to more widespread rural violence, often involving land disputes and clashes between farmers and herders.

7. 2011 – 2018: Rural Conflicts, Grazing Disputes, and Ethno-Religious Clashes:

   • During this period, rural communities in Plateau State were severely impacted by violent clashes between predominantly Fulani herders and indigenous farming communities (mainly Berom, Tarok, and Mwaghavul).

   • The Dogo Na Hawa massacre in March 2010, where over 500 people were killed in Barkin Ladi, signaled the growing intensity of these rural conflicts.

   • Attacks on villages became more frequent, often involving heavily armed militias and resulting in large-scale displacement of communities.

   • Areas such as Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Mangu, and parts of Wase were particularly affected. By 2018, attacks were frequent, with entire villages being razed, leading to the destruction of homes, farmlands, and livestock.

8. 2018 – Present: Government and Community Responses:

   • The Plateau State government, under Governor Simon Lalong (2015–2023), made efforts to mediate the conflict by introducing peace dialogues, improving security measures, and establishing reconciliation committees.

   • The Operation Safe Haven, a special military task force, was also deployed to quell violence in conflict-prone areas.

   • Despite these measures, sporadic attacks continued, particularly in rural areas. However, some progress was made in rebuilding trust between communities and encouraging displaced persons to return to their homes.

   • Under the current administration of Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang (2023–Present), renewed emphasis has been placed on restoring security, promoting peace initiatives, and rebuilding the affected areas.

The Effect of Conflict on Access to Healthcare 

The prolonged conflict in Plateau State has severely impacted access to healthcare services, particularly in areas hardest hit by violence. The disruption of healthcare infrastructure, displacement of healthcare workers, and destruction of medical facilities have had far-reaching consequences on the state’s health sector, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

1. Destruction of Healthcare Infrastructure

Many hospitals and clinics in Plateau State, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bokkos, have been damaged or destroyed during clashes between ethnic groups and militant attacks. The damage to healthcare infrastructure has led to a significant reduction in the availability of medical services in affected areas.

• Primary Health Centers (PHCs), which serve as the main healthcare providers in rural communities, have been particularly affected. In some cases, PHCs have been destroyed or abandoned, leaving communities without access to essential healthcare services.

• Secondary and Tertiary Facilities: Larger hospitals that provide specialized care have also experienced disruptions, with some being overwhelmed by the influx of patients injured in conflict or displaced by violence.

2. Displacement of Healthcare Workers

The conflict has also led to the displacement of healthcare professionals, further straining the already limited healthcare system in Plateau State. Many healthcare workers have fled conflict zones for safety, leaving behind critical shortages in medical staff.

• Rural Areas Hit the Hardest: Remote and rural areas, which already struggle with healthcare access, have been disproportionately affected by the exodus of medical personnel. This has left many rural populations with no access to doctors, nurses, or specialists, compounding existing health challenges.

• Skilled Workforce Migration: Some healthcare professionals have migrated out of Plateau State entirely, seeking more stable employment and safer environments in other regions of Nigeria or abroad. This "brain drain" has worsened the shortage of skilled workers in the state, leaving many communities reliant on under-resourced and overstretched healthcare providers.

3. Increased Health Burden

The conflict has led to an increase in health problems, with the population facing not only the direct consequences of violence but also a worsening public health crisis. Some of the key health challenges include:

• Mental Health Issues: The psychological impact of the violence, including trauma, PTSD, and anxiety, has increased the demand for mental health services. Unfortunately, mental health services remain scarce in Plateau State, particularly in rural areas, and the stigma surrounding mental health further limits access.

• Communicable Diseases: The displacement of large populations into makeshift camps or overcrowded settlements has led to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and respiratory infections. The lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care exacerbates these health risks.

• Maternal and Child Health: Conflict has disproportionately affected women and children, with maternal and infant mortality rates increasing in conflict-affected areas. Limited access to prenatal and postnatal care, coupled with a shortage of skilled birth attendants, has worsened maternal health outcomes.

4. Impact on Health Services Delivery

The conflict has led to severe disruptions in the delivery of healthcare services in Plateau State. In areas affected by violence, healthcare providers have had to contend with:

• Limited Access to Medications and Supplies: Conflict often leads to shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies, as transport routes become unsafe or blockaded. This has resulted in a lack of basic drugs, vaccines, and medical equipment, limiting the ability of healthcare providers to offer adequate treatment.

• Interrupted Immunization Programs: Immunization efforts have been disrupted in conflict zones, leading to a decline in vaccination coverage, particularly among children. This poses a long-term risk to public health, as vaccine-preventable diseases could resurge in underserved communities.

• Reduced Funding: Healthcare services in Plateau State have seen reduced government funding, as resources have been diverted to security and conflict resolution efforts. This underfunding has further eroded the state's healthcare capacity, leaving many facilities unable to meet the demands of the population.

5. Displacement and Access Barriers

Large-scale displacement of populations due to conflict has also had a devastating impact on access to healthcare:

• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Thousands of IDPs in Plateau State face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services. Makeshift camps are often ill-equipped to provide healthcare, and many displaced individuals lack the financial resources to seek care outside of the camps.

• Geographical Barriers: Conflict has made it difficult for many people, especially those in rural areas, to travel to healthcare facilities. The destruction of roads and transportation infrastructure further exacerbates these challenges, isolating communities from essential medical services.

6. Efforts to Address the Healthcare Crisis

In response to the healthcare challenges posed by the conflict, various efforts have been undertaken to improve access to medical care in Plateau State:

• Rebuilding Healthcare Infrastructure: There have been ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate damaged healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. International organizations, NGOs, and the Plateau State government have worked together to provide financial and technical assistance for reconstruction projects.

• Mobile Health Clinics: In some conflict-affected areas, mobile health clinics have been deployed to provide basic medical care to populations with limited access to healthcare facilities. These clinics offer essential services such as immunizations, antenatal care, and treatment for common illnesses.

• Mental Health Support: Recognizing the growing mental health burden, some local NGOs and international organizations have started providing psychosocial support and mental health services to conflict survivors. However, these efforts remain underfunded and are not widespread.