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A STUDY OF THE CATTLE TRADING COMMUNITY IN UMUAHIA-IBEKU, c. 1914-2000
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.
A STUDY OF THE CATTLE TRADING COMMUNITY IN UMUAHIA-IBEKU, c. 1914-2000
