The Impact of Intra-Ethnic Conflict in Tangale Nation Up to 1990

Abstract

The paper examines the age long intra-ethnic conflict among the Tangale nation in present[1]day Gombe State area up to 1990. The Tangale ethnic group is the major nationality among the ethnic groups in Southern Gombe State and it is divided into two main group/clans[1]Tangale East and Tangale West who both claim supremacy over one another in terms of originality and ownership of the term “Tangale” itself. These Tangale groups share common language with very little dialectical differences, but for almost a century they have been in an unending conflict over land/border, location of headquarters, political as well as chieftaincy/traditional issues. The conflict over the years is said to be one of the major intra-ethnic clashes that defied various diplomatic approaches continued up to the 21st century in Gombe State area. It is against this backdrop and many other issues that this paper examines intra-ethnic in Tangale nation, with a view to adding to body of knowledge in understanding the historical issues in Tangale land and lay a solid foundation that can be used in proffering a lasting solution.