Introduction
The history of Plateau State in Nigeria is both fascinating and complex. Initially inhabited by the Nok people around 500 BC, this region witnessed the growth and prosperity of the Nok civilization for several centuries. However, in the 13th century, the Hausa people displaced the Nok, forming the Kanem-Bornu Empire, which governed the area for several more centuries. In the 19th century, the Fulani people conquered the region and established the Sokoto Caliphate. In 1903, the British colonized the area and created Plateau Province. Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Plateau State was officially established.
In 1926, Plateau Province was formed, encompassing Jos and Pankshin Divisions. Over the years, the borders changed multiple times as the government aimed to prevent the division of ethnic groups. In May 1967, during the onset of the Nigerian Civil War, Plateau State was split into two entities: Benue-Plateau State and North Central State. In 1976, these states were reunited to form the present-day Plateau State. The region has experienced ethnic and religious conflicts, primarily between the predominantly Muslim Hausa and Fulani communities and the mainly Christian Igbo and Yoruba populations. In recent times, initiatives have been undertaken to foster peace and reconciliation within the state. Plateau State is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, and its capital, Jos, serves as a significant cultural and economic hub.
Plateau State is a multifaceted and diverse region, encompassing a wide range of ethnic and religious groups. Its primary ethnic groups include Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Tiv, and Idoma people. Additionally, the state is home to a substantial number of Christians, Muslims, and believers in traditional African religions. This ethnic and religious diversity has served as both a strength and a source of tension. Various conflicts have arisen among the different groups, and the state has faced challenges in maintaining peace and stability. Despite these challenges, Plateau State remains a crucial cultural and economic center in Nigeria.
Cultural Richness
The cultural richness of Plateau State is evident in its music, art, and culinary offerings. The state boasts a variety of indigenous musical genres, such as Hausa bards, Yoruba drummers, and Igbo highlife music. Traditional arts, including wood carving, leatherwork, and basketry, also thrive in the region. Plateau State’s cuisine is a fusion of Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo dishes, and is renowned for its spicy and flavorful flavors. The state’s traditional attire reflects its diverse heritage, with each ethnic group wearing unique clothing, accessories, and headwear.
More than 30 ethnic groups call Plateau State home, including the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, Pyem, and Fulani. The main religions practiced in the state are Christianity and Islam, with a significant minority of adherents to traditional African religions. Plateau State is also home to a variety of cultural traditions and practices, such as traditional dances, music, and art forms. The state’s cultural diversity is reflected in its food, clothing, and language, all of which are influenced by the various ethnic and religious groups that reside in Plateau State.
At the time, Nigeria had twelve states. Following the civil war, Benue-Plateau State was one of several large states that were further divided under pressure from the Federal Government. Under General Yakubu Gowon’s military administration, the country was split into nineteen states in 1976, and Plateau State was created from Benue-Plateau, covering the area of the original Plateau Province. In 1996, Plateau State was again subdivided to form Nasarawa State, which was carved out of the western half of Plateau State by Sani Abacha’s military regime. Tin mining activities commenced in 1902 under British rule and continue to the present day Jos City.
Economy and Trade
Plateau State is the twelfth largest state in Nigeria and is approximately located in the center of the country. It is geographically unique in Nigeria, as its boundaries completely encompass the Jos Plateau, with the Jos Plateau situated entirely within its central and northern regions. Its capital is Jos, and the state is renowned as “The Home of Peace and Tourism.” Plateau State derives its name from the Jos Plateau and has a population of around 3.5 million people.
Although Africans had extracted tin and iron from river and stream beds on the plateau long before the arrival of Europeans, not until 1904, when the British commenced large-scale operations, did the region’s immense tin deposits begin to be fully exploited. Since that time, the Jos Plateau has been one of the world’s major suppliers of tin. The world’s largest known deposits of columbite, an ore of niobium found associated with tin, have also been exploited since the 1940s. Smaller quantities of tantalite, wolfram (tungsten), kaolin, zircon, and uranium are also mined. Lead and iron ore are found in eastern and central Plateau state. At Lafia, there are coking coal deposits, and gold and silver deposits are located near the town of Shendam. The plateau’s mineral wealth has attracted numerous Hausa, Igbo (Ibo), Yoruba, and European migrants in the 20th century; and the absence of the tsetse fly (the carrier of trypanosomiasis) at this elevation has also lured many Fulani herdsmen to the plateau. Almost all of the plateau is now open savanna grassland because the original forested areas have long been cleared for farming or mining. Cactus hedges grow naturally, but many have been planted around villages and compounds. Acha (a grain known as “hungry rice”), sorghum, and millet are the most widely cultivated staple foods; but cash crops, especially potatoes, yams, and green vegetables, are grown for the plateau’s largest urban markets at Jos, Bukuru, Pankshin, and Vom. A large number of cattle on the plateau supply milk to a dairy at Vom. Goats and sheep are also raised. By the early 1980s, overcultivation and overgrazing pressured some farmers to move off the plateau, but several dam and reservoir projects were constructed to foster land reclamation.
Historical Events
The state’s history has also been shaped by its role as a crossroads of trade and migration. Plateau State is located at the intersection of several major trade routes, and it has been a meeting place for people from different parts of Nigeria and beyond. The state has long been a melting pot of cultures and languages, and this has had a profound impact on its development. The state’s major cities, including Jos and Kaduna, have been major centers of commerce and exchange, and this has contributed to the state’s prosperity and cultural vibrancy.
A pivotal historical event in Plateau State’s history is the Maitatsine riots of 1980. These riots were ignited by the teachings of a radical Muslim cleric, Mohammed Marwa, also known as Maitatsine. Marwa condemned Western culture and the Nigerian government, and he and his followers engaged in violent confrontations with the authorities. The riots led to numerous deaths and widespread property damage. In response, the government suppressed dissent and declared a state of emergency in the state. The aftermath of the riots continues to influence the state.
Another notable historical event in Plateau State’s history is the Miss World riots of 2002. These riots were instigated by the outcome of the Miss World beauty pageant, which took place in the state capital, Jos. Muslim protesters perceived the event as a violation of their religious beliefs and targeted Christian businesses and churches. The riots resulted in hundreds of deaths, displaced thousands of people from their homes, and caused substantial damage and economic distress in the state. These disturbances also underscored the delicate equilibrium of religious and ethnic relations within the state.
Religious tensions remain a delicate matter in Plateau State. The state has undergone numerous adjustments to its current borders. The colonial manipulations were driven by the need to protect railway construction and ensure the safe passage of mined tin to the coast. The British established colonial control over Nigeria in the early 20th century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of Plateau State is rich and diverse, shaped by a variety of influences over the centuries. Home to numerous ethnic groups such as the Berom, Afizere, Anaguta, and many others, the state has experienced both growth and challenges. Outside influences, including the Nok civilization, Hausa-Fulani rule, and British colonialism, have all left their mark on the region. Despite facing challenges such as poverty and ethnic conflict, the people of Plateau State have made significant progress in recent years.