Oral Music Traditions and Conflict Resolution Among the Jukun People of Taraba State

This study investigates the role of oral music traditions in conflict resolution processes among the Jukun people of Taraba State, North East Nigeria. The Jukun people, with a rich cultural history rooted in the ancient Kwararafa kingdom, have traditionally employed song, chant, and ceremonial music as instruments for community dialogue, peacemaking, and the mediation of disputes between clans and neighbouring groups. This research examines specific oral music genres used in conflict resolution contexts, the social structures through which musical peacemaking is organised, and the effectiveness attributed to these practices by community members. A qualitative descriptive design is adopted, with data gathered through in-depth interviews with Jukun elders, traditional rulers, community mediators, and musicians in Wukari and Takum local government areas. Participant observation at community meetings and ceremonial events provides supplementary data. The study draws on ethnomusicology, peace studies, and oral tradition scholarship relevant to Middle Belt and North East Nigerian contexts. Findings will highlight the continuing relevance of music-based conflict resolution in Jukun communities and assess its compatibility with formal government and judicial mediation mechanisms. Recommendations will address how indigenous musical peacemaking practices can be incorporated into community-level conflict management programmes. Keywords: Jukun music, oral tradition, conflict resolution, Taraba State, peacemaking.