Political Elites and Communal Conflicts in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria (2010–2015)

Abstract

Communal conflicts have remained a persistent challenge to peace, security, and development in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in ethnically diverse communities where competition over political power, land, and resources is intense. In Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, recurrent communal conflicts between 2010 and 2015 generated significant humanitarian, economic, and security concerns, raising questions about the role of political actors in the conflict process. This paper examined the relationship between political elites and communal conflicts in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State between 2010 and 2015. The paper was anchored on Elite Theory, which explains how a small group of influential individuals shape political outcomes and social relations through their control of power, resources, and decision-making processes. The paper adopted a qualitative research design utilizing a descriptive case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, complemented by secondary sources such as academic literature, government publications, and conflict assessment reports. The data were analysed using content analysis to identify major themes and patterns. The findings revealed that political elites played a significant role in the outbreak, escalation, and persistence of communal conflicts in Wukari through the manipulation of communal grievances, mobilization of ethnic loyalties, and exploitation of political competition for personal and political gains. The paper further found that elite involvement weakenedpeacebuilding efforts, deepened mistrust among communities, and contributed to prolonged insecurity and socio-economic disruption within the area. The paper concludes that political elites were important actors in shaping the trajectory of communal conflicts in Wukari between 2010 and 2015. It recommends the strengthening of accountability mechanisms and the promotion of responsible political conduct to discourage the manipulation of communal identities and enhance sustainable peace and stability in the area.