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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Semolika Expedition of 1904: A Participant Account |
Author: | Afeadie, Philip Atsu |
Year: | 2004 |
Periodical: | History in Africa |
Volume: | 31 |
Pages: | 1-18 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Nigeria Northern Nigeria Great Britain |
Subjects: | Etsako colonial conquest colonialism military operations History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) |
External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/4128516 |
Abstract: | The men on the spot controlled the timing, pace and extent of British military imperialism in Africa. However, they had to reckon with indigenous response, as their prerogatives met challenges in African interests and concerns, such as territorial inviolability and noninterference in their internal affairs. This interplay of military imperialism and African response is demonstrated in the British encounter with the Semolika in Northern Nigeria. On 1 January 1900 the British Protectorate of Northern Nigeria was established over the Sokoto Caliphate and its constituent emirates, as well as other indigenous polities. Elements of discontent among the indigenous people called for colonial consolidation, including pacification, which also involved the maintenance of law and order through 'preventive service'. In a territory of brigandage and strife, Lt. Browne, who belonged to the men on the spot and the West African Frontier Force (WAFF), led a preventive expedition in the Kabba Province in 1904 and engaged the Semolika in an unauthorized and disastrous campaign, with high casualties to government forces. The events of Lt. Browne's encounter with the Semolika mountaineers and subsequent government response are detailed in a report prepared by Resident Kabba, H.D. Larrymore, for the High Commissioner, Lord Lugard. This report is presented, with annotations, in this paper. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract] |