Social Effects of Ethnic Discrimination on Minority Groups in Taraba State

Ethnic diversity in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone has historically been a source of both cultural richness and social tension, with minority ethnic groups in Taraba State particularly exposed to discrimination in public life, resource access, and political representation. This study investigates the social effects of ethnic discrimination on minority ethnic groups in Taraba State, focusing on the Mumuye, Chamba, and Kuteb communities. A qualitative research design was employed, with focus group discussions conducted with thirty-six community members and in-depth interviews with ten civil society representatives and five local government officials. Data were analyzed thematically using the Conflict Theory framework. Findings indicate that minority group members experienced exclusion from political appointments, discriminatory access to state-sponsored agricultural inputs, and social marginalization in mixed-community schools. Psychological effects of sustained discrimination included reduced civic participation, lowered self-efficacy, and heightened inter-group anxiety. Economic effects manifested as occupational concentration in low-status informal sectors and restricted access to formal credit institutions where ethnic majority gatekeepers dominated. Participants from the Mumuye community reported the highest intensity of discrimination experiences. Intermarriage across ethnic lines was rare, with less than 9% of surveyed households reporting mixed-ethnic marriages, reflecting endogamous social norms reinforced by discrimination experiences. The study recommends affirmative representation policies in Taraba local government appointments, intercultural exchange programs in secondary schools, and establishment of an ethnic minority rights advocacy office within the state government. Keywords: ethnic discrimination, minority groups, Taraba State, social exclusion, conflict theory.