Impact of Ethnic Conflict among Ethnic Groups in Nasarawa State Nigeria

The study examines the perception of people on ethnic conflict in Nasarawa State. The objectives of the study were based on the four hypotheses to include: there will be no significant difference between the socio-cultural influences of ethnic groups on ethnic conflict in Nasarawa State; there will be no significant differences between the influence of educational level on socio-political struggles and ethnic conflict in Nasarawa State; gender inequality in economic stability will have no significant influence on ethnic conflict among people living in Nasarawa State, and there will be no significant differences between religious influences on ethnic conflict in Nasarawa State. A survey research design was adopted, and 150 samples were randomly selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured, designed questionnaire as an instrument was used to collect data and data was analysed through descriptive statistics to analyse mean and standard deviation, and t-test independent to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that: (i) socio-cultural factors influence the ethnic groups (tribes) differently, resulting in ethnic conflict in Nasarawa State; (ii) the level of educational attainment does not determine the involvement in political struggle and ethnic conflict in Nasarawa State; (iii) gender inequality influences economic instability and contribute to ethnic conflict among youth in Nasarawa State; and (iv) religious differences is not the reasons for ethnic conflict in Nasarawa State. It was recommended that gender equality and gender role be prioritised in every societal, economic, and political affair. There should be no or little dichotomy in societal representation between the ethnic minorities and ethnic majority groups (tribes) living within the Northern, Southern, and Western Nasarawa state.