A History Of Muslim-christian Activities

A History Of Muslim-christian Activities

Abstract

This work examines the History of Muslims- Christian conditioning among the Igala people of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, from 1979 to 1992. The work examines the conditioning of Christians and Muslims. It also shows the relationship between all the persuasions that live in the area since 1979 and ends up in 1992. The work defines the geographical position of the people of Ankpa. It has also bandied the arrival of Islam and Christianity in the area. It examined the features of Islam and Christianity. The work stressed the easing factors, mode and way of commerce. It gives suggestions and draws a conclusion. In the finding, it’s discovered that in Ankpa Local Government Area, Muslims, Christians and traditional religion have been in peace since the preface of the persuasions into the area but occasionallyintra-religious violence do do among them. The secret of this success is discovered to be depended on collective respect, accommodation, forbearance, dialogue and understanding among the persuasions in the area. Both Secondary as well as Primary sources were used to negotiate the write- up.

Chapter One

General Introduction

Preface

Ankpa Original Government Area of Kogi State was created out of the Igala native authority( INA) in1979.1 The Original government passed a politicalsub-division when Omala and Olamaboro Local Government Area were sculpted out in 1989 and 1991 independently. Ankpa original Government Area has a population of 267,353 according to the 2006 National tale.2 Igala is the main ethnical group but has inversely absorbed other ethnical groups similar as the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Agatu and migarant Fulani.3

The main persuasions of the tenant are Islam, Christianity and traditional religion. The name Ankpa began from the Red Scenery called ‘‘ EKPA ’’ meaning ‘‘ RED ’’ latterly turned to be known and called Ankwa by the Hausa emigrant and Ankpa by the social masters.4 From the foremost, both persuasions espoused a gradational, quietist station towards the culture of the people which saw them integrate, immingle and contribute immensely to the development of the society.5 Muslims, Christians and traditional religion engage themselves in conditioning that promote good understanding between them.6 The station of flexible engagement with others was generally effective in Ankpa Local Government Area because all the persuasions presentednon-violently and largely without coercion.7 Through the positive religious conditioning which include marriage observances, carnivals and sepultures are attended by other followers of persuasions depending on interest and commitment.8

Before the coming of Islam and Christianity in the 19th century to Ankpa Local Government Area the tenant are reactionaries. People travel from other areas like Imane, Olamoboro, Omala and Enjema to Ankpa to a water deity called ‘‘ Ojaji ’’ meaning( head of a Swash) which they believe to break their problems like conditions, necromancy and other spiritual attack in the communities.9 In Ankpa Local Government Area, the exertion between the followers of these persuasions is cordial but occasionally heads do do between them. They’re all duty bound to serve the community when a call for similar work arises. In this way, the people interact cordially together. Islam and Christianity have played a veritably important part in the History of the people and the coming of both persuasions to the area has changed the pattern of living in the area by bringing social changes and positive metamorphosis to the people.10

Statement of the Research Problem

The introductory factor that needed this exploration is to examine the conditioning of the three major persuasions of Igala people of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi from 1979 to 1992. The experimenter will establish the metamorphosis that occurs among the persuasions and the incoming of Islam and Christianity to the area within the period of this study and the position of its knowledge among the people.