The Influx of Igbo Migrants and Intergroup Relations in Zaria, 1900-1965

Abstract

Throughout human history, migration has remained one of the most important factors in the emergence and development of communities. The ancient city of Zaria evolved overtime as a result of migration of groups from near and distant communities. These groups of migrants included Yoruba, Kanuri, Fulani, Igbo, Hausa groups from neighbouring towns like Kano, Katsina and several smaller ethnic groups from Southern Kaduna. Migrant groups including the Igbo groups were attracted to Zaria due to: (a) Its strategic location on a network of old trade routes, the construction of motorable roads and railways; (b) the fertility of the soil and availability of water for agriculture; (c) availability of employment in the Colonial government and colonial economy. This paper examines these factors in relation to the influx of the Igbo migrants and their relations with other groups in Zaria within the period. The focus of this paper is on the role the Igbo migrants played in the growth and development of Zaria. The paper adopts the qualitative and thematic method of research which relies on the use of primary sources collected from the field and secondary sources from extant literature. The paper concludes that the influx of Igbo migrants in Zaria impacted on the social set up of Nigeria positively through the harmonious coexistence between the Igbo migrants and the host community. The paper recommends that the present day society should draw from the lessons of the past as source of unity and strength for the country