HISTORICISING THE CONFLICTS OF RELIGIOUS SUPERIORITY ANDFUNDAMENTALISM IN GOEMAILAND, PLATEAU STATE, CENTRAL NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68653/xywvpp27Keywords:
Religion, Conflict, Superiority, Fundamentalism and Goemailand IntroductionAbstract
Religion is known to be one of the common factors of conflicts in contemporary world. The introduction of religious sects and denominations in many parts of Nigeria compounded the causes of conflicts that trickled down to Goemailand and become one of the major problems that is bedeviling the area. The paper studied religious superiority and fundamentalism in Goemailand and interrogated the views that a particular group holds that their belief is the only absolute truth and superior faith that must be accepted. It also investigated the rigid and inflexible ideologies that make it difficult for some group to shift ground or compromise. The aim is to understand the application of discrimination and violence to justify firm defense of faith and belief against others on the basis of divine opinion. Oral sources, colonial and archival materials in addition to other relevant sources form the basis for data and information presentation in this paper. Historical analysis and inference were used to identify key issues that were resolved.
References
F. M Longban, S. S Musa, D. C Hassan, Who are the Goemai?, Dan-Sil Press, Jos, 2015
L. D Walu, “The Evolution of Chieftaincy: A Case Study of Goemailand”, A Paper Presented to the History Research Seminar, University of Jos, 20th May, 1981
C. K Zaku, “The History of Western Education in Shendam Local Government Area”, B. A (Hons) History, Unpublished Project, University os Jos, 1981
Plateau State of Nigeria, Government White Paper on the Report of Judicial Commission of Inquiry Into the Conflict in Namu Town, Quaan-Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State, Plateau Printing Press, May, 2006
C. G Ames, Gazetteers of Northern Provinces of Nigeria Vol. IV: The Highland Chieftaincies, Plateau Provinces, Frank Cass, London, 1934
F. M Longban, S. S Musa, D. C Hassan, Who are the Goemai?... p. 90
I. A Zakari, The Socio-Cultural Ceremonies Among the Gbagyi in Minna in the Nineteenth Century in T. Wuam, M. L Salahu (ed), Aspects of Niger State History, Essays in Honour of Professor Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, 2014
A. I Asiwaju, The Evolution of Nigeria Culture in A. Osuntokun, A. Olukoju (ed), Nigerian Peoples and Cultures, Davidson Press, Ibadan, 1997
O. Alubo, Sociology, A Concise Introduction, Ichejum Press, Jos, 2012
J. S Gbenda, The Impact of Colonialism on Africa Indigenous Religion in J. Mangut, T. Wuam (ed), Colonialism and the Transition to Modernity, Sam-Adex Printers Sanyo, Ibadan, 2012
J. S Gbenda, The Impact of Colonialism on Africa Indigenous… in J. Mangut, T. Wuam (ed), Colonialism and the Transition… p. 482
G. I C Eluwa, M. O Ukagwu, J. U. N Nwachukwu, A. C. N Nwaubani, A History of Nigeria, Africana-first Publisher Limited, Onitsha, 1988
B, J Kangtau, “Historical Analysis of Contemporary Religious Conflicts in Goemailand: A Case Study of the 2004 Yelwa Crisis”, B. A (Hon) History and International Studies, Unpublished Project, University of Jos, 2008
Dantala Doornaan Tsenyen, Male, 43 Years Old, Interviewed at Kwande, 11th April, 2026
D. C Hassan, “A History of Colonial Policies and the Namu Crisis”, B. A (Hons) History and International Studies, Unpublished Project, University of Jos, 2009
Dongbi Dalat, Female, 92 Years Old, Interviewed at Namu, 13th April, 2026
Fidelis Longban, Male, 63 Years Old, Interviewed Jos, 3rd October, 2025
D. C Hassan, “Historical Perspectives on the Issues and Interests in the Namu Crises of 2005 and 2006”, M. A Dissertation, Department of History and International Studies, University of Jos, 2013
D. C Hassan, “A History of Colonial Policies and the Namu Crisis”,… p. 47 Sule Yilkwap Kela, Male, 66 Years Old, Interviewed at Kurgwi, 7th April, 2026
B, J Kangtau, “Historical Analysis of Contemporary Religious Conflicts in Goemailand: A Case Study of the 2004 Yelwa Crisis”,… p. 26
D. C Hassan, “A History of Inter-Ethnic Relations Between the Goemai and Their Neighbours in North Central Nigeria, 1900-2015”, Ph.D Thesis, Department of History, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, 2021
T. G. O Gbadamosi, M. O Junaid, Islamic Culture and the Development of Nigeria in A Osuntokun, A Olukoja (ed), Nigerian Peoples and Cultures… Pp. 112-119
T. G. O Gbadamosi M. O Junaid, Islamic Culture and the Development of Nigeria in A Osuntokun, A Olukoja (ed), Nigerian Peoples and Cultures… P. 118
G. T. O Gbadamosi, J. F Ade Ajayi, Islam and Christianity in Nigeria in O Ikimi (ed), Groundwork of Nigerian History, Heinemann Educational Books (Nigerian) Plc, Ibadan, P,349
G. T. O Gbadamosi, J. F Ade Ajayi, Islam and Christianity in Nigeria,… in O Ikimi (ed),… Groundwork of Nigerian History … p.350
J. Mouren, (SMA), The Catholic Mission in Northern Nigeria, Foundation and First, Diocese of Jos, 1906-1910
J. Mouren, (SMA), The Catholic Mission in Northern Nigeria, … P. 30
National Population Census,“Important Historical and Local Events, Benue- Plateau State, Shendam Division, 1973”
National Population Census,“Important Historical and Local Events,… p.6.
F.R Hickey, DSA, The Growth of the Catholic Church in Northern Nigeria, Second Edition, Augustinian Publications, Jos, 2010, p.24.
F.R Hickey, DSA, The Growth of the Catholic Church in Northern Nigeria, Second Edition, Augustinian Publications, Jos, 2010, p.24.
National Population Census,“Important Historical and Local Events,… p.6.
D.J Gwamna, P.B Dayil, Religious Fundamentalism in Northern Nigeria: Towards and Interpretation in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building in Northern Nigeria, John Archers (Publishers) Ltd, Ibadan, 2011 p.75
M.Y Mangvwat, Historicism and the Political Economy of Religious Crises in Northern Nigeria Since 1900A.D in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building in Northern Nigeria, John Archers (Publishers) Ltd, Ibadan, 2011.
J. Lengmang, The Upsurge of Religious Fundamentalism: A Critical Reflection in the Light of the Boko Haram Phenomenon in Northern Nigeria in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building in Northern Nigeria, John Arechers (publishers) Ltd, Ibadan, 2011 p.87.
J. Lengmang, The Upsurge of Religious Fundamentalism: A Critical Reflection in the Light of… in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building… p.87
D.J Gwamna, P.B Dayil, Religious Fundamentalism in Northern Nigeria: Towards… in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building… p.75
M.H Yousef, Son of Harmas, A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrique and Unkintable Choices, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. USA, 2010, P.9.
Zakari Adamu Ibrahim, male, 59 years old, interviewed at Kurgwi, 7th April, 2026.
D.J Gwamna, P.B Dayil, Religious Fundamentalism in Northern Nigeria: Towards… in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building… p.67-68
M.Y Mangvwat, Historicism and the Political Economy of Religious Crises… in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building… p.55-56
M.Y Mangvwat, Historicism and the Political Economy of Religious Crises… in S.G Best (ed), Religion and Post Conflict Peace Building… p.56
