THE TIV PEOPLE’S RESISTANCE AGAINST BRITISH COLONIAL RULE 1800 TO EARLY 1900

ABSTRACT

This chapter as stated in the previous chapter, will concerns with summary of the findings of the entire research and make conclusions based on the findings. This research was aimed at finding out the Tiv resistance against British occupation from 1800 to 1900, and study will also capture the nature of colonial rule in Tiv and how its impacted on the socio-economic and political institutions of the people of Tiv, historical method was adopted.

The first chapter provided an introduction to the background of the study, stating the relevance of this study, with its aim and objectives, justification of this research, the methodology used in carrying out this research, the scope of the research and various literature reviewed in relation to this study.  The second chapter provides a detailed historical background of the origin of Tiv. It shows the distinct origin of the people even before the 15^th century. It also examines a brief history of their socio-cultural, economic and political institutions. The chapter elucidated on the political relations between the Tiv, the role politics has to play in Tiv friendship. It also highlighted the effect of their political organization as regards the issues of crisis and conflict resolution between then and also examines methods of resolving political crisis with case studies in pre-colonial Tiv. The third chapter examined the social development of Idoma and Tiv and the significance of each group in the pre-colonial society. It also considers some social interaction and relations between Idoma and Tiv in pre-colonial times, thus, which must be upheld in the society and social conflict that might arise on failure to abide to those standards laid down in their laws and customs. It also examined the methods of resolving such conflicts with case studies.

 In 1906 more and more British officers ventured into Tiv country to gain more knowledge of the country and the people. An example were the journeys of Alexander Boyd who found the Tiv a very interesting people. His mission was to map the Tiv country. Accounts by Tiv elders show that the British adopted the three methods in gaining foothold in Tivland. The first method was peaceful. The British sought and got information from the Jukun at the British headquarters in Ibi.¹ For example, it was from the Jukun that Gordon learned about Ugande, an influential drum chief in tar Ukum. The British officers cultivated the friendship of particular influential Tiv, stayed in their homes which they used as bases for moving into other areas. Later they moved in to establish British rule and they used force where necessary. The penetration of the Tiv country was in three phrases. 1907-1911 witnessed the penetration of all the regions on the southern and eastern banks of the Benue and Katsina Ala.² The penetration of the southern districts, was in two distinct phases, and the north of the Benue took place about 1910-1914. By 1914 almost all the tar in Tiv had been brought under minimal control of the British.³⁹ However, when the British took control by use of force, administration in Tivland, appointment of new drum chiefs, who would virtually exercise no authority, became meaningless.³ In 1932 for example, when Ikyaartor of Mbakaange tried to revive the institution, the elders would not support him for fear of the British. The elders, realistically, turned their attention to dealing with the new rulers appointed by the British.⁴

We need to look at our culture and see the positive aspects and use them for the development of our people. Those cultural aspects that develop the improvement of the people, such cultures like songs and dances can be used positively instead of using them negatively.We can use them for purposes of worshipping God, for example, and for purposes of entertainment in a way that will not expose or bring out negative aspects of human life.⁵ Upliftment the Tiv nation because our people have a lot of potentials which are not being harnessed and we would be in a position to encourage our youths, encourage skilled people to come forward and showcase the skills they have for development and promotion of our people.  Some cultures that are not very useful positively and such cultures are becoming a nuisance to our society. We can look at burial ceremonies. Ceremonies in general consume a lot of resources. ⁶We need to encourage the teaching of Tiv language in schools and the teaching of Tiv language at home because once you lose your language you lose your culture.