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Contribution long abstract:

Reported urban conflict, observable physical expansion with clear changes in the social content of the spatial organization of the city of Jos is a quandary requiring research interrogation. The study examines the pattern of urban conflict and the emerging spatial reorganisation, promoting inclusive urban growth and development. Data for the study was obtained using Focused Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII) and Geo-Spatial methods. Data analysis involved spatial dimension of land use/ cover change. The pattern of urban expansion was interrogated within the frame of ethno-religious composition generating the changing scenario of various neigbourhoods.. Some of the new expansion areas are informal and laggard in infrastructure. Deep-rooted animosity and suspicion are behavioral outcomes fueling internal migration and the spatial reorganisation of the city. Consequently, the city is now characterized with a number of ethno-religion homogenous enclaves, failing in the traditional character of urban areas. The emerging spatial arrangement in itself is a stimulus for further suspicion and distrust. This has implications on the city as a driver of economic growth in the region and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal number 11 that hope to make ‘cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’. The need to embrace urban planning for enhanced access to facilities, intensive advocacy for peace building and the integration of spatial content in the security architecture of the city are among the study recommendations critical to a more peaceful and prosperous future urban Africa.

Keywords: Conflicts, migration, reorganisation, spatial and urban expansion