COUNSELING APPROACHES TO INTER-GROUP CONFLICT: CASE OF IGBO AND YORUBA CONFLICT IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the conflict between the Igbos and Yorubas in Lagos city, Nigeria. Thestudy employed descriptive survey and used primary source of data - an internet-basedassessment system -an online questionnaire in collecting data for this study. The targetpopulation for the study is not context-specific as members of WhatsApp groups used aredomiciled at different locations but are in the same WhatsApp platform. The target populationof the study was 50 respondents who were the first to respond to the 20 -point questionnairewithout regard to other socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. The window wasclosed once 50 responses were captured in the platforms. The results of the study elicited fromforty respondents were shown below. They were mainly males (72.5%) predominantly Igbos () between the ages 38 to 67 years. Majority of these respondents 32 (80%) described therelationship between the Igbos and Yorubas as strained and 67.5% opined that there has been along history of conflict between these two groups. Further responses from 36 (90%) of therespondents was that there were offenses directed against the Igbos which ranged from verbalabuse (80%, defrauding (35%) and killings (32.5%).. Among others, it was recommended thatCounsellors should embark on programmes to build capacity in both groups to change theirperceptions of each other, for better. None should brand the other as bad.