Travel and discovery in West and Central Africa. By Dr. Heinrich Barth.

BUKHARI OF HADEJIA

Any protection in the neighbourhood of some villages. After we had passed the empty market-place of the little walled town Kabbori, the surface of the ground had a very peculiar look, being covered entirely with colocynths, which were just in maturity. About a mile and a half further on we took up our quarters in Benzari, a town belonging to the province of Mashena, or Maseena, and were well received and hospitably treated by the Ghaladima.

The town is separated into two parts by a spacious opening, wherein is the principal well which supplies almost the whole population, but its depth is considerable, being more than twenty fathoms. Here we filled our water-skin the next morning before we set out.

Tuesday, March 18. Scarcely had we left Benzari behind us when my ears were struck by the distant sound of drums and singing, and I learnt on inquiry that it was Bukhari, or, as the Bornu people call him, Buwari, the deposed governor of Hadeja and the brother of Ahmedu, the present ruler of that town. Bokhari's name was then new, not only to me, but even to the natives of the neighbouring provinces.

He had been governor of Hadeja, but being a clever and restless man he, or rather his jealous brother, excited the suspicion of his liege lord 'Aliyu, the ruler of Sokoto, who had deposed him and given the govern-ment to his brother Ahmedu, where upon Bokhari had nothing else to do but to throw himself upon the hospitality and protection of the Bornu people, who received him with open arms, the governor of Mashena, with the sanction of his liege lord the sheikh of Bornu, assigning to him a neighbouring place, Yerimari, for his residence.

This is an incident of very frequent occurrence in these loosely connected empires, but it is particularly so with the Fulbe, among whom one brother often cherishes the most inveterate hatred against another.

Exactly the same thing we have seen already in Katsena. Bokhari having remained some time quietly in this place, strengthening his party and assisted underhand with arms and men by the vizier of Bornu, had just now set out to try his fortune against his brother, and was beating the drums in order to collect as many people as possible. Predatory incursions are nothing new in these quarters, where several  provinces and entirely distinct empires have a common frontier but this as the event proved, was rather a memorable campaign fortfie whole of this part of Negroland, and was to become "the beginning of sorrows" for all the country around.

For Bokhari having taken the strongtrong town of Hadeja, and killed his brother, was not only able to defend himself in his new position, vanquishing all the armies sent against him, and amongst them the whole military force of the empire of Sokoto, which was led on by the vizier in person, 'Abdu the son of Gedado, Clapperton's old friend, but spread terror and devastation to thevery gates of Kano. Indeed, on my second journey through these regions, I shall have the sad duty of describing the state of misery into which districts, which on my former visit I had found flourishing and populous, had been reduced by this war like chieftain, who instead of founding a strong kingdom and showing himself a great prince, chose rather, like most of his countrymen, to his power on the destruction.

RAVELS AFRICA

and devastation of the country around him, and to make himsetf a slave- dealer on a grand scale. Tens of thousands of unfortunate people, pagans as well as Mohammedans, unprotected in their wellbeing by their lazy and effeminate rulers, have from the hands of Bokhari passed into those of the slave-dealer, and have been carried away from their native home into distant regions. Kept in alarm by the drumming, and making some not very tranquilling reflections on the weakness of our little band, which consisted three men and a boy, in the turbulent state of the country through which we were passing, we continued silently on, while the character of the landscape had nothing peculiarly adapted to cheer the mind. Cultivation beginning to cease, nothing was to be seen but an immense level tract of country covered with the monotonous Asclepias gigantea with only a single poor Balanites now and then. But the scene became more animated as we approached Chifowa, (Shafowa) a considerable town sur-rounded by a low earthen wall, which I was greatly astonished to hear belonged still to the territory of Gummel, and was also assigned to Bokhari during his exile. The boundary between the provinces must run here in a very waving line.

All that I observed here testified that the Hausa population still greatly  predominated and as we had to turn close round the place on the north side, where the ground rose, we had a fine view over the whole interior of the town. It presented a very animated spectacle; and a large number of horsemen were assembled here, evidently in connection with the enterprise of Bokhari, while men and women were busy carrying water into the town from a considerable distance. Of  cultivation, however, very few traces appeared but a good many cattle and sheep, and even some camels, were seen grazing about. In Kase-Itiwa also, the next town, we were complimented with the usual Hausa salute. Having then passed through a monotonous tract of country covered with tall reed-grass and with the Asclepias, we reached the town of Yelkazl at half-past nine o'clock in the morning.

Here the governor of the province of Mashena, who generally has his residence in the town of the same name, was staying at present, apparently on account of the expedition of Bokhari, which he was assisting under-hand and I accordingly had to pay him my compliments, as my horseman, who was a servant of Dan-Tanoma, could not well conduct me any further. We therefore entered the town by the north gate, and found people very busy repairing the fortification, consisting of two walls and three ditches of considerable depth, two of which ran outside round the outer wall, while the third was enclosed between the two walls.

Having presented ourselves at the residence of the governor, which was situated in the middle of the town, and consisted altogether of reed-work, we obtained good quarters, with a spacious and cool shed, which was the only thing we wanted for being anxious not to lose any more time, I had resolved to start again in the afternoon. In order, therefore, to obtain a guide as soon as possible, I went to pay my compliments to the governor, whose name was Mohammed. After a little delay...

HADEJIA EMIRATE BY VICTOR N. LOW.

HADEJIA.

Before the Fulani Conquest at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the country now known as the Hadejia Emirate was composed of seven separate kingdoms, whose chiefs received their titles from, and owed allegiance to the Kado Galadima of Bornu.

These were:
1. Auyo
2. Hadejia
3. Garin Gabbas (Mabudi)
4. Gatarwa (Sarkin Dawaki)
5. Kazure (Sarkin Arewa)
6. Fagi (Sarkin Arewa)
7. Dawa (Chiroma)

One authority says that the most ancient and important was Auyo, said to have been founded in 1400 by a Bagarmi named Auyo, whose brothers Tashe and Shirra are reputed to have founded Tashena and Shirra (in Katagum) at the same time.

Another authority gives pride of place to Garin Gabbas which, it is said, was originally called Biram. The well-known legend is that Biram was the father of the Hausa States (see Kano section) and one of the Hausa Bakwai. A story goes that the town was founded by Arabs from Bagdad. One Muhtari, or Bayajidda, came from the East until he reached Bornu (Kukawa) 3649 Kado Dynasty restored ; Mallam Musa Abdurrahman (1911) Hadejia originally compose of seven kingdoms under Bornu Auyo Garin Gabbas (Biram).

HADEJIA

where the reigning chief gave Muhtari his daughter in marriage. Muhtari subsequently went to Daura (where he slew the fetish and married the queen), but on the way his Bornu wife gave birth to a son called Biram, who founded the town. Yet another version says that Muhtari’s younger brother was called Biram and that he founded the town.
The present chief of Garin Gabbas claims descent from this Arab family. There is a tradition that Hadejia was founded by a Kanuri hunter named Hadejia, who came from Machina, and was the first of a long line of kings (32).

Umaru Towards the end of the eighteenth century a certain Fulani cattle owner named Umaru settled close to Hadejia and succeeded in obtaining the title of Sarkin Fulanin Hadejia. His father had originally come from Machina, and settled at Jar-mari, a few miles north of Hadejia.

The On hearing the news of the jihad (1805), Umaru at once sent jihad his brother Sambo to the Shehu for a flag and the Kado King Abubakar submitted without delay. Within a few months Auyo, Gatarwa, Garin Gabbas, and Kazure had submitted to Umaru, while the two remaining kingdoms of Fagi and Dawa were given by the Shehu to Laraima, a cousin of Umaru, who styled himself Sarkin Marma.

Sambo In 1808 Umaru was allowed to transfer his title to his son 1808 Mamman Kankiya, but within the year both father and son died. Umaru’s brother Sambo succeeded and from him have sprung all subsequent Emirs of Hadejia.

In 1810 he moved from Umaru’s residence at Rinde, just outside the northern gate of the town, and took up his residence in Hadejia town itself, which he considerably enlarged. On his entry the Habe inhabitants left the town and settled outside the eastern gate (Fantai).

Sambo After a comparatively peaceful reign of thirty-seven years abdicates Sambo abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Garko, who died two years later (1847). His brother Abdulkadiri, who succeeded him, himself died within a few months, to be followed almost at once by his aged father.
It is recorded in the Kano Chronicle that the son of the Sarkin Machina came to Kano in the reign of Yakubu (1452-63), and was made chief of Hadejia with the title of Sarkin Gabbas.

HADEJIA

Sambo’s third son, the Chiroma Buhari, now succeeded to the ‘sarauta’ against the dying wish of his father, who had nominated his fourth son, Ahmadu. Buhari proved to be a bold and cruel ruler. One of his first acts was to have the Sarkin Auyo assassinated. The Sarkin Musulmi, Aliu Babba, sent word to have him deposed, but Buhari refused to listen. On the approach of the Katagum forces, under the Waziri of Sokoto, Buhari retired with his followers, and Ahmadu was installed as Emir (1850).

Having defeated the Sarkin Machina, Buhari returned to Hadejia (rein-forced by the Shehu of Bornu ) who was quite ready to put a spoke in the Sokoto wheel. He routed the Katagum forces, and put Ahmadu to death (1851).

Having now openly defied and thrown off all semblance of allegiance to Sokoto, he proceeded to enrich himself by a series of raids and expeditions on all sides. Marma was captured after tunnelling under the walls and became part of Hadejia, thus bringing the Emirate to its present size. Buhari died in 1863 in an unsuccessful expedition against the Badawa at Gworgworam. His reign furnishes a remarkable record of combined courage and ruthlessness.

Buhari was succeeded by his son Umaru, despite the strong protests of Buhari ’s brothers, one of whom, Haru, eventually succeeded in obtaining a sufficiently strong backing to force Umaru to abdicate.

Haru reigned nearly twenty years (1865-85). He defeated and killed the Sarkin Gumel at Zaburan in 1872, but did not fare so well against Ningi nor against the Badawa, who severely de-feated him at Gworgworam.

Haru was succeeded by his son Muhammadu (1885-1906). Most of his reign, like that of his predecessors, was spent in fighting. After the Kano civil war of 1893, although he had rendered no support, he pretended that he had been promised Miga and Kwanda and promptly annexed them by force. He was killed in 1906 while defending Hadejia against the British.

It is said that Buhari impersonated Ahmadu at his father’s death-bed and thus wrongfully obtained his father’s blessing.

The Sarkin Musulmi appointed Tukur after Ahmadu’s death, but he never dared to assert his claim.  They were returned to Kano on the British occupation in 1903. Buhari succeeds (1848) He is deposed {1850) but returns (.1851)
Umaru {1863-5)
Haru {1865- 85)
Muhammadu {1885- 1906)
Haruna (1906-9)
Abdul-kadiri (1909- 25)
Usuman (1925 to date)

HADEJIA

Haruna, his son, a very quiet man, was appointed to succeed him, and on his death in 1909 his son, Abdulkadiri, who was then only a youth, was appointed Emir. In 1925 Abdulkadiri died, and was succeeded by his brother Usuman.

           “THE EMIRS OF HADEJIA”

Hardo Abdure of Machina

(1) Umaru 1805-08
(2) Mamman Kankiya 1808
(3) Sambo 1808-45
(4) Garko 1845-7 
(5) Abdulkadiri 1847-8
(6) Buhari 1848-50, and 1851-1863
(7) Ahmadu 1850-1
(8) Umaru 1863-1865
(9) Haru 1865-85
(10) Muhammadu  1885-1906
(11) Haruna 1906-9
(12) Abdulkadiri 1909-25
(13) Usuman 1925- date.

Posted by Ismaila A Sabo

History of Muri By Victor N. Low

Muri is a town and traditional emirate in the northwestern Taraba State of eastern Nigeria, approximately between 9 and 11 40 E. and 7 10 and 9 40 N. The Benue River is nearby, and the portion on the southern bank of the river is watered by streams flowing from the Cameroon region to the Benue. In 1991, the town was estimated to have a population of 56,570. The valley of the Benue has a climate generally unhealthy to Europeans but there are places in the northern part of the province, such as the Fula settlement of Wase on a southern spur of the Murchison hills, where the higher altitude gives an excellent climate.

History Muri

In 1817 Muri was founded as a Fulbe jihad state . In 1892 - 1893 it was a de facto French protectorate, under Governor Louis Mizon (b. 1853 - d. 1899). In 1901 it became a 25,800 m². province of the British protectorate of Northern Nigeria , bordered S. by Southern Nigeria, SE. by German Cameroon, E. by the province of Yola, N. by Bauchi, W. by Nasarawa and Bassa with an estimated population of about 828,000.

The district of Katsena-Allah extends south of the Benue considerably west of 9° E., the approximate limit of the remainder of the province. The province is rich in forest products, and the Niger Company maintained trading stations on the river. Cotton is grown, and spinning thread, weaving and dyeing afford occupation to many thousands. Muri province included the ancient Jukon empire together with various small Fula states and a number of pagan tribes, among whom the Munshi, who extended into the provinces of Nassarawa and Bassa , were among the most turbulent.

The Munshi occupy about 4000 m². in the Katsena-Allah district. The pagan tribes in the north of the province were lawless cannibals who by constant outrages and murders of traders long rendered the mail trade route to Bauchi unsafe, and cut off the markets of the Benue valley and the Cameroon from the Hausa states. Only two routes, one via Wase and the other via Gatari, passed through this belt.

In the south of the province a similar belt of hostile pagans closed the access to the Cameroon except by two routes, Takum and Beli. For Hausa traders to cross the Muri province was a work of such danger and expense that before the advent of British administration the attempt was seldom made.

Muri came nominally under British control in 1900. The principal effort of the administration has been to control and open the trade routes. In 1904 an expedition against the northern cannibals resulted in the capture of their principal fortresses and the settlement and opening to trade of a large district, the various routes to the Benue being rendered safe. In 1905 an expedition against the Munshi, rendered necessary by an unprovoked attack on the Niger Company's station at Abinsi, had a good effect in reducing the riverain portion of this tribe to submission.

The absence of any central native authority delayed the process of bringing the province under administrative control. Its government was organized on the same system as the rest of Northern Nigeria, and under a British Resident. It was divided into three administrative divisionseast, central and west with their respective headquarters at Lau, Amar and Ibi.

Provincial and native courts of justice were established. The telegraph was carried to the town of Muri. Muri is one of the provinces in which the slave trade was most active, and its position between German territory and the Hausa states rendered it in the early days of the British administration a favorite route for the smuggling of slaves.

Emirs of Muri

1817 - 1833 Hamman Ruwa dan Usman
1833 - 1848 Ibrahim dan Hamman Ruwa
1848 - 1861 Hamman dan Hamman Ruwa
1861 - 1869 Hamadu dan Bose (d. 1869)
1869 - 1873 Burba dan Hamman (d. 1892)
1873 - 1874 Abu Bakar dan Hamman Ruwa (d.1874)
1874 - 1897 Muhammadu Nya dan Abi Bakar (d.1896) 1897-1903 Hasan dan Muhammadu Nya (d.1903) 1903 - 1953 Muhammadu Mafindi dan Muhammadu Nya (b. 1868 - d. 1953)
1953 - 1965 Muhamman Tukur dan Muhammadu Nya (b. 1883 d. 25 Oct,1965)
6 November 1965 - 12 August 1986 Umaru Abba Tukur OFR (deposed)
13 July 1988 - to date HRH Alh Abbas Njidda Tafida OFR