Ombatse: an Invention of Tradition and Understanding Communal Conflicts in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This book is about the emergence of ombatse, an Eggon ethnic militia in central Nigeria. Ombatse has become an invention by some Eggon people in response to their 'bleak' suffering or 'marginalised' situation in an attempt to effect their 'liberation'. It was initially formed as a political movement but after the outbreak of communal conflict in 2012, it was transformed into an ethnic militia. Ombatse has now become a non-state collective actor that organises violence and the group have been able to overcome the many challenges they have faced, especially raising funds, recruiting members and ensuring that members remain committed.