A STUDY OF THE CATTLE TRADING COMMUNITY IN UMUAHIA-IBEKU, c. 1914-2000
A STUDY OF THE CATTLE TRADING COMMUNITY IN UMUAHIA-IBEKU, c. 1914-2000
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Date
2012-12
Authors
SULEIMURI, HARUNA,
MUHAMMAD
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The cattle trading community and the cattle market in Umuahia has played a significant
role in the economic and inter-group relations aspects of the south-east and south-south
parts of Nigeria. Therefore, with the relocation of the cattle market from Umuahia to
Okigwe in 1994 the foundation of harmonious inter-group relationship that had hitherto
become the hallmark of inter-group relations in Umuahia was shaken. The process set in
motion with this development led to one of the bloodiest conflicts in the town in the year
2000 targeting members of the cattle trading community who even during the Nigerian
Civil War were not harmed. This conflict led to the dislocation of the community who
dispersed to various parts of Nigeria as a result. This was made possible because of the
fact that what was initially linking the two communities i.e. the cattle market was no
longer in Umuahia. Umuahia was the centre of activities of the peoples of Northern
Nigerian origin in the eastern region. In essence, therefore, the cattle market played an
important role in fostering and sustaining a harmonious inter-group relationship between
the two communities in question. This research effort has shown that the cattle market
formed the basis of the inter-group relationship in Umuahia. In this research effort we
have examined the economic, political, cultural and religious organizations and practices
of the Cattle Trading Community and the peoples whom they lived among in Umuahia
and neighbouring towns and villages. Evidence have shown that members of the Cattle
Trading Community have even before establishing permanent settlement been
frequenting the markets in the villages and towns neighbouring Umuahia through the Aro
trade routes and trade system. They were able to sustain this relationship over a long
period because of the economic benefits derivable from it and because they were living
together even in the Hausa quarters known as Ama Hausa in the Igbo language. Two
theories have proved to be of great significance in this work. The work has been
articulated in such a way to take care of not only the inter-group but also the intra-group
aspect of the two peoples in question. The work employed the historical economy
approach in reaching its conclusions.
Description
BEING AN M.A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, FACULTY OF ARTS,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
AWARD OF MASTERS OF ARTS M.A (HISTORY)
Keywords
STUDY,, CATTLE,, TRADING,, COMMUNITY,, UMUAHIA-IBEKU,, c. 1914-2000