International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Conflict resolution in pre-literate Tiv societies, just like other African societies, was primarily achieved through extra-mundane communication practices. However, the cradle of civilisation has reduced the reliance of Tiv people on these traditional conflict resolution methods. Yet, the effectiveness of the modern methods in addressing the complex and deeply ingrained nature of communal conflicts in Tiv land has remained limited. Meanwhile, despite the growing body of research on conflict resolution in Africa, there remains a significant knowledge gap on the role of extra-mundane communication practices in resolving disputes among diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria, including among the Tiv people. Objectives: This study examined the extent to which extra-mundane communication practices are used for conflict resolution, their credibility and reliability, and factors affecting their use for conflict resolution among the Tiv people. Methods: Survey was adopted as the study’s design. Interviews were used to collect data for the study. Data generated were presented in themes, and analyzed using Yin’s explanation building method. Results: Results showed that Tiv people still use extra-mundane to resolve conflicts. Extra-mundane methods of conflict resolution are considered credible and reliable in Tiv societies. Factors like Christianity, stigmatization, etc., affect the use of extra-mundane in Tiv for conflict resolution.
Conclusion: Extra-mundane methods of conflict resolution are regarded credible and reliable among the Tiv people.
Unique Contribution: Extra-mundane remains a viable method of conflict resolution among the Tiv people in spite of civilization. Recommendations: Use of extra-mundane practices should be encouraged among the Tiv people as a viable conflict resolution method.