SUMMARY

The Yoruba people are one of Nigeria’s largest ethno-linguistic groups, numbering approximately 21% of its population. The community has been involved in non-state conflicts with other ethnic communities, primarily in Nigeria.

The bulk of the Yoruba population of the world reside in Nigeria, primarily in its western parts, but the Yoruba people are also dispersed throughout West African states such as Benin, Ghana and Togo. In terms of religion the Yoruba are not a homogenous group, with members being Christian and Muslim as well as adhering to traditional Yoruba beliefs. Many of the Yoruba are urbanized, but those that remain outside the cities and towns mainly make their living from agriculture.

In conflicts with other ethnic/religious groups the Yoruba have employed both formally organised militias and more loosely organised bands of fighters. The most notorious of the Yoruba militias is the OPC (Oodua Peoples Congress), which is banned under Nigerian law.

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