SUMMARY

Gamai (also Goemai) is an ethnic and ethno-linguistic community living mainly in central Nigeria. The community has been involved in non-state conflicts with other ethnic communities in Nigeria.

The Gamai people number around 200 000 and include adherents to both Christianity, Islam, and traditional faiths. They are mainly found in Plateau State, where they consider themselves to be an indigenous group, and constitute the largest group in Shendam. Many rely on agriculture for subsistence.

In conflicts with other ethnic groups the Gamai appear to not deploy a formally organised militia, but instead rely on more loosely organised groupings to carry out violence against opponents.

The Gamai people have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.