SUMMARY
The non-state conflict between Fulani and the Tarok is connected to a larger pattern of tensions between ethnic and religious communities in Plateau State. The state is home to over 30 distinct ethnic communities, which have coexisted in relative peace for a long time. Around the turn of the century, however, conflicts started to arise over land ownership and access to political and economic power. At the root of these conflicts is the notion of “indigeneity”, which often serves as the basis for citizenship, land ownership and political power. This has led to recurring conflicts between groups perceived as indigenous to Plateau State and groups that have migrated to the area more recently. These tensions have been further exacerbated by religious differences and perceived marginalization.
A further factor in the conflict between Fulani and the Tarok is a history of disputes over cattle grazing. The Fulani are usually cattle herders, while Tarok has traditionally relied on subsistence farming. Conflicts between the groups have often arisen as Fulani have allowed cattle to graze on land belonging to Tarok people, who have responded by stealing cattle from the Fulani. Cattle rustling has in turn resulted in retaliatory clashes between the groups. This underlying conflict over land and grazing rights has become intertwined with the larger economic and political conflicts in Plateau State.
The conflict between Fulani and the Tarok, as in the case of many other non-state conflicts in Nigeria, has often been described as a religious conflict between Christians and Muslims. While it is true that most Tarok is Christian and most Fulani is Muslims, this does not explain the underlying causes of conflict. However, as tension and violence have escalated, religion has increasingly been used for mobilization of support, and targets of violence have subsequently often been defined in terms of religious groups.
Non-state conflicts in Plateau State have tended to be informally organized. In the conflict between Fulani and the Tarok, there have not been any official armed groups that have claimed to represent either group. However, many of the attacks have reportedly been well organized, suggesting some form of central command and coordination.
The non-state conflict between the Fulani and the Tarok is first included in UCDP data in 2004. In late April that year, repeated clashes between the two groups had resulted in more than 100 battle-related deaths.
