GOEMAI AND KOFYAR/PAN GROUPS INTERESTS AND THE ROLES OF ELITES ON THE NAMU CRISES OF 2005 AND 2006

Abstract

This study examines the interests of the Goemai of Namu and their Kofyar/Pan group neighbours on Namu and analyzes the roles played by the elites of the ethnic groups in perpetuating the crises that engulfed the area in 2005 and 2006. The paper investigates ethnic, economic and political interests as being responsible for the crises between the people and interrogates the elites’ roles in manipulating these interests to achieve their personal gain at the expense of their people. The aim is to expose the elites’ use of ethnic cultural organizations as impetus in defense of their peoples’ interests to escalate the crises that left scores death and properties destroyed in the area. Oral sources and archival materials in addition to other relevant sources form the basis of data in this paper while historical analysis is used to establish the interests of the people that led to the roles of elites on the Namu crises. Suggestions on the way to encourage and sustain cordial relationships between the people shall however be proffered.