Counseling Approaches to Inter-Group Conflict: Case of Igbo and Yoruba Conflict in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the conflict between the Igbos and Yorubas in Lagos city, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey and used primary source of data - an internet-based assessment system -an online questionnaire in collecting data for this study. The target population for the study is not context-specific as members of WhatsApp groups used are domiciled at different locations but are in the same WhatsApp platform. The target population of the study was 50 respondents who were the first to respond to the 20 -point questionnaire without regard to other socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. The window was closed once 50 responses were captured in the platforms. The results of the study elicited from forty respondents were shown below. They were mainly males (72.5%) predominantly Igbos ( ) between the ages 38 to 67 years. Majority of these respondents 32 (80%) described the relationship between the Igbos and Yorubas as strained and 67.5% opined that there has been a long history of conflict between these two groups. Further responses from 36 (90%) of the respondents was that there were offenses directed against the Igbos which ranged from verbal abuse (80%, defrauding (35%) and killings (32.5%).. Among others, it was recommended that Counsellors should embark on programmes to build capacity in both groups to change their perceptions of each other, for better. None should brand the other as bad.