CONFLICT BETWEEN MINERS AND HOST COMMUNITIES IN IJESALAND, NIGERIA

Abstract

Conflict observed in mining industries is a global phenomenon. Miners and host community-related problems occur due to many factors in places where natural resources are found. There is an avalanche of literature on mining-related conflict in Nigeria, however, little attention seems to be paid to conflict associated with mining in Ijesaland, Nigeria, which is one of the major locations of solid mineral mining in Nigeria. This study, therefore, examined the conflict between miners and host communities in Ijesaland. Specifically, the study focused on the causes, nature and pattern of the conflict, the effect of the conflict in the communities and the methods employed in managing or/and resolving the conflict. Human Right-Based Approach Theory by Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Stakeholder Theory and Non-Violence Theory, provided the framework. While exploratory research design was adopted. Ijana-Wasare, Iyemogun and Iyere communities were purposively selected for the study. Data were collected through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-Depth Interviews (IDI) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Three KIIs were conducted with selected individuals who were conversant with the subject matter. Seventeen IDIs with five persons from each community of study and two from neighbouring communities were conducted. Nine FGD sessions were also conducted (three per community) with the indigenous miners/agents, who were mostly youths of the communities, the foreign miners and the elderly members of the communities. Secondary data were sourced from periodicals and archives. Data were content analysed. Land degradation, water pollution and air pollution were the major causes of conflicts between the two parties. Other causes identified were compensation issues, land encroachment, multiple extortion, health and socio-economic impacts. All these have affected every other facets of the members of the communities’ lives such as personal, social and communal, among others. Although mining activities in the communities have boosted their economy through land leasers getting more money and traders making more sales, it has however caused inflation in the communities. It has also caused fresh conflict because of degradation of the communities’ environment, desecration of their customs and traditions and loss of family/communal values, such as trust, unity and integrity, which were paramount to them before the commencement of the mining activities. The nature and pattern of the conflicts were non-violent (low intensity conflict). Mechanisms like traditional rulers’ intervention, community vigilante intervention and confrontation avoidance with the miners were used to manage the conflict. In order to minimise mining conflict, there is need to create awareness concerning environmental damages associated with mining activities in Ijesaland. Proper compensation plans and government interventions in form of reviewing the laws guiding artisanal and small-scale mining and institutional strengthening of solid mineral mining authorities will go a long way in minimising conflict. Collaboration among all stakeholders is also essential in the prevention and management of conflict in the host communities.