Poison and Mediine - Ethnicity, Power, and Violence in a Nigerian City, 1966 to 1986 / Douglas A. Anthony. (Hardcover)

Ethnicity can be brought to destructive or constructive ends, depending on who mobilizes it and how it is wielded. There is abundant evidence in Africa and elsewhere of the tragically divisive influence of ethnicized politics. The constructive applications of ethnic identities, however, have received less scholarly attention. This book shows how Igbos returned and renegotiated their position in the new political and economic environment of Kano following the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970. Kano, more than any other Nigerian city, has served as a laboratory for intercommunal conflict, as well as processes of reconciliation. By examining the political, economic, and psychological circumstances surrounding violence against Igbos, as well as the circumstances that led to a remarkably swift reconciliation in the post-war period, Anthony addresses issues of vital importance for understanding ethnic conflict not only in Nigeria, but elsewhere in Africa. Kano, more than any other Nigerian city, has served as a laboratory for intercommunal conflict, as well as processes of reconciliation. By examining the political, economic, and psychological circumstances surrounding violence against Igbos, as well as the circumstances that led to a remarkably swift reconciliation in the post-war period, Anthony addresses issues of vital importance for understanding ethnic conflict not only in Nigeria, but elsewhere in Africa.