A HISTORY OF MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES
ABSTRACT
The history of Muslim-Christian interactions among the Igala people in Kogi State’s Ankpa Local Government Area is examined in this article from 1979 to 1992. The work investigates the actions of Muslims and Christians. Also, it depicts the interactions between all the local religions between 1979 and 1992. The geographical location of the Ankpa people is described in the work. The arrival of Islam and Christianity in the region has also been covered. It looked at the differences between Islam and Christianity. The work emphasized the enabling conditions, interactional style, and modality. It makes recommendations and comes to a conclusion. The findings show that Muslims, Christians, and traditional religions have all coexisted peacefully in Ankpa Local Government Area, Although there has been peace since the arrival of the many religions in the region, occasionally there is intra-religious conflict. It is found that the local religions’ mutual regard, accommodation, tolerance, communication, and understanding is the key to this success. The article was written using both secondary and primary sources.
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
In 1979, Kogi State’s Ankpa Local Government Area was established from the Igala Native Authority (INA). 1When the local governments of Omala and Olamaboro were split off in 1989 and 1991, respectively, the local government suffered a political sub-division. According to the 2006 National Census, there are 267,353 people living in the Ankpa local government area. 2 Although the Igala are the dominant ethnic group, other tribes like the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Agatu, and migrating Fulani have also been assimilated. 3 Islam, Christianity, and traditional religion are the three main religions practiced by the locals. The word “Ankpa” comes from the word “EKPA,” which means “RED,” and was first used to describe a red landscape. Later, Hausa migrants called it Ankwa, and colonial rulers called it Ankpa. 4 Both religions started out with a steady, quietist approach to the people’s culture, which allowed them to blend in and make significant contributions to the growth of the society. 5 Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional religion participate in events that foster mutual understanding. Because all the religions presented peacefully and mainly without coercion in the Ankpa Local Government Area, the attitude of flexible engagement with others was generally effective. 7 Some adherents of religions participate in positive religious rituals including weddings, festivals, and funerals, depending on their level of interest and dedication. 8 Before Islam and Christianity arrived in the Ankpa Local Government Area in the 19th century, the locals were traditionalists. People travel to Ankpa from places like Imane, Olamoboro, Omala, and Enjema to worship the water deity known as “Ojaji,” which means “head of a River.” They do this because they believe that the water deity can help them with issues like illnesses, witchcraft, and other forms of spiritual attack on their communities. 9 Although there are no conflicts between the adherents of various religions in the Ankpa Local Government Area, they do occasionally. When a need for such work develops, they are all obligated to assist the community. In this way, the people get along well with one another. Christianity and Islam have both had significant historical influences on people and the world coming of both religions to the area has changed the pattern of living in the area by bringing social changes and positive transformation to the people.10
1.1 Statement of the Research Problem
Examining the activities of the three main religions practiced by the Igala people in Kogi’s Ankpa Local Government Area from 1979 to 1992 was the primary impetus for this study. The study’s time frame, the arrival of Islam and Christianity in the region, and the degree of religious awareness among the populace will all be established by the researcher.
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