CONSERVATION OF DOGO NA HAUWA VILLAGE AS CULTURAL HERITAGE DARK TOURISM SITE IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Dark tourism, which involves visiting sites linked to death and tragedy, is becoming a prominent topic in discussions about global heritage. This study explores the potential for preserving Dogo Na Hauwa, a village in Plateau State, Nigeria, that experienced a tragic massacre in 2010, as a cultural heritage and a dark tourism destination. Honouring this location could offer various benefits, such as fostering reconciliation, preserving historical memory, and boosting economic growth through tourism. The research utilized in-depth interviews and document analysis to gather local views on dark tourism, conservation strategies, and sustainable heritage management. The findings reveal a split in community opinion: while some residents view site preservation as a means to honour victims, educate future generations, and attract visitors, others express concerns about retraumatisation, the commercialszation of tragedy, and a lack of government support. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that includes inclusive stakeholder engagement, culturally sensitive interpretation, and sustainable tourism policies. It also underscores the necessity of investing in infrastructure, developing policy frameworks, and supporting community-led initiatives to ensure that dark tourism sites significantly contribute to cultural heritage conservation and socioeconomic development. Finally, preserving Dogo Na Hauwa as a dark tourism site presents a unique opportunity to balance memory, justice, and the economic advantages of tourism. If managed effectively, it can aid in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s historical conflicts within the broader context of global dark tourism.