JUKUN-TIV RELATIONS SINCE 1850: A CASE STUDY OF INTER-GROUP RELATIONS IN WUKARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE

Jukun-Tiv relation has increasingly gone through disturbing phases over the years, especially as from the inception of colonial rule in the area. Every turning point appears to alter the level of co-operation between the two communities in the present day Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. This unfolding trend gives the impression that the two communities never enjoyed peaceful intercourse. This assumption has been examined and proved to be erroneous. A very thorough appraisal of the available sources about the Jukun-Tiv contact and interaction indicates that the phenomenon has not always been dominated by conflicts in the pre-colonial period. There were strong social, economic and cultural ties that bond the two societies together. Much of the current inter-communal conflicts that have characterised the relationship between the two societies developed during the colonial period. The study has demonstrated that inspite of the hostilities, the two communities have seen the need, and are resolved ,to co-exist on a peaceful and amicable basis. This is the main focus of the study.