A Historical Analysis of the Migration, Penetration and Diffusion of the Fulani into the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper provides a socio-historical analysis of the migration of the Fulani into the Middle Belt region of Nigeria and their relationship with the indigenous people. The Fulani are an important population group found mainly in the Northern and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria. They are also, with or without justification, identified with rearing of cattle in these regions. This paper thus discussed their migration, penetration and diffusion into the Middle Belt region. It is also a contribution to the current problem of population movements not only in the region, but the entire country. Secondary method of data collection was adopted in this study. Findings reviewed that the geographical location of the region in the transition point between the North and South coupled with its natural endowments makes it a haven for many Nigerian migratory groups in times past as well as presently. Also, its ethno-cultural heterogeneity in addition to its structural economic backwardness makes the region an explosive conflict zones. In sum, the daily increase in migration should be taken into cognisance and the agrarian region should be improved in order to avoid conflicts mostly between farmers and pastoralists in Benue State and the entire Middle Belt region."