Jane Hahn Photography

indigene or settler?

Between rolling green hills and flowing fresh water riverbeds lies the city of Jos, the bustling capital of Plateau state and the heart of what’s known as the Middle Belt of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. Jos is a high altitude retreat from the humid south and the arid north with its pleasant climate and highly fertile lands rich with minerals and green pastures. This historic city was a former economic center for many Nigerians and foreigners looking to invest in the richness of the land and growing industries. But, after decades of neglect and corrupt governance, Jos tumbled down a winding road of tribal and religious violence.

Since 2001, over a thousand lives in Plateau State have been lost. The crisis stems from an ongoing battle over territory between the predominantly christian farming tribes (the Berom, Anaguta, and Afizere) and the Hausa-Fulani people (mainly traders and herders) who both claim historical dominance over the land. Even though religion plays an important role in the Middle Belt, if not all of Nigeria, those in power capitalize on the people’s devotion fueling the crisis.

(this is an ongoing project)

A man prays in a mosque destroyed by violence in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria
   
A home destroyed in the village of Ranuiank. Attackers entered the village late at night and killed six people, five women and one child and wounded three.
  
Ladi Weyi, 70, was attacked in her village, Ranuianku, by three men cutting her with a machete on her arm, shoulder and head as she was trying to protect her 10 year old grandson.
     
  
A man overlooks the sifting of columbite in Kuru Jantar, an area outside of Jos where a massacre took place in January 2010 targeting the mainly Hausa speaking population. Over 150 bodies were found in the surrounding wells and ditches.
  
Women mine columbite in Kuru Jantar, an area outside of Jos where a massacre took place in January 2010 targeting the mainly Hausa speaking population. Over 150 bodies were found in the surrounding wells and ditches.
  
Herds of sheep and cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen rest in Jos, South. Grazing land in Jos is found in the south, a predominately Christian area.
     
  
A Fulani boy herds cows in Jos, South. Farming and grazing land in Jos is found in the south, a predominately Christian area. Many disputes erupt when herds destroy christian farm lands.
   
Jos North. Most of the informal settlements are found in the north part of the city. Jos North is inhabited by mainly Hausa and Fulani people who rarely see the benefits the rest of the city receives.
   
Women pray in Jos' Central Mosque
     
  
Jummai Abubakar, 33 describes her attack before she relocated to Bauchi state after her home was destroyed.
  
Andu Ishaya, 17, stands in remains of his room in Ranuianku village two days after it was attacked. Andu woke to gun shots and found his roof on fire and escaped by hiding under a bush until the assailants left.
  
Men stand on top of a destroyed mosque in Jos North
     
  
A state security truck in Ranuiank village. Attackers entered the village late at night and killed six people, five women and one child and wounded three.
  
Women mourn the loss of six villagers in Ranuiaku after an attack killed six people.
  
     
  
Women mourn the loss of six villagers in Ranuiaku after an attack killed six people.
  
Bulus Tegwai, 7, was shot in the foot when trying to escape an attack on his village, Ranuiaku.
  
Jos North. Most of the informal settlements are found in the north part of the city. Jos North is inhabited by mainly Hausa and Fulani people who rarely see the benefits the rest of the city receives.
     
  
Plateau State