Inter-Group Relations in Pre-Colonial Bende, Eastern Nigeria

This paper examines the phenomenon of inter-group relations amongst communities in Old Bende Division, South-Eastern Nigeria. Historically, ethnic groups in Nigeria had achieved a high level of integration prior to the colonial conquest. Long-distance trade, migratory movements, and socio-economic inter-group relations had helped make ethnic and cultural integration an integral part in the evolution of modern Nigeria. Before the advent of British Colonial administration, there was cross-cultural fertilization of ideas, cultures, and traditions through various levels of interaction among the groups that made up the Division. The study was based on archival sources, literature and oral traditions collected and documented from the area over time. It also identified the levels and areas of inter-group relations and peace co-existence between the areas and their neighbors. It also revealed that the forefathers of the communities in pre-colonial Bende related extensively in the spheres of war, marriage, and trade. Long-distance trade was significant as the study identified it as a good instrument in pre-colonial inter-group relationships.