URBAN GROWTH AND CONFLICT PATTERNS IN UYO, 1900–2015

This study critically examines the role of conflict in the urbanization process, using the historical development of Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State, as a focal case. While previous studies have traced the transformation of rural areas into urban centers through rural–urban migration and the negotiation of competing interests, this study argues that conflict is an inherent and unavoidable aspect of urban development. Drawing on both primary and secondary sources, and employing historical and interdisciplinary methods, the research demonstrates that Uyo’s growth has been accompanied by various forms of social, political, and economic conflicts. These conflicts, reflective of the city’s evolving status, have shaped its urban landscape and governance structures. The study underscores the need for policymakers to acknowledge and manage urban conflicts proactively to ensure sustainable development, social cohesion, and the safety of all residents.