“Jihad in the South”: An Anthropo-archaeological Critique of Jihad Narratives of the Niger-Benue Confluence Area, 1840-1897
This study offers a critique of pro-jihad narratives that occurred in the southern parts of Niger-Benue confluence of Nigeria from 1840-1897. It investigates the critical question of Fulani hegemony and alleged Islamization that occurred in that period. The study adopts a poly-methodic approach which combines historical, archaeological and anthropological methods for data collection. The study utilizes neo-Marxist critical anthropological paradigms as theoretical framework which provides exegetical tools for data analysis. The study identifies imperialism as the major reasons for the conquest, as it did not bequeath impactful Islamic presence in the area as the propagation of Islam, the alleged reason for the invasion was abandoned in favour of enslavement and economic exploitation. This fact is consistent with ethnographic data which identified the period as the most tragic in the annals of the people. The study shows that the enslavement activities of the Fulani made the people to reject conversion to Islam. Gradual conversion to Islam in the area resulted from peaceful proselytization. Overall, the study provides valuable anthropological insights which enhance the understanding of intergroup relations in precolonial and postcolonial Africa. The study illustrates that peaceful coexistence of diverse ethnic groups and religions in the area shows that diversity, inclusivity and tolerance are cultural traits of African traditional societies.
Keywords: 1840-1897, anthropo-archaeological, area, confluence, critique, jihad, narratives, niger-benue, south”, “jihad