AMUFIE MILITARY WAREFARE IN PRE-COLONIAL AND COLONIAL ERA

AMUFIE MILITARY WAREFARE IN PRE-COLONIALISM AND COLONIALISM

Amufie is prominent village in Umu Itodo, Enugu ezike in Igbo Eze north LGA of Enugu state. It is located at the outskirts of Enugu Ezike with a population of about one hundred thousand people.

The pre-colonial history of Amufie just like that of other similar communities is not well documented as a result of scanty formal education and enlightenment that characterized that era. Nonetheless, much is known as result of stories and myths that are passed from generation to generation.

PRE COLONIAL/COLONIAL MILITARY WAREFARE

Amufie just like many other villages is agrarian and very rural. Most conflicts that arose in the pre-colonial era were triggered by land disputes and other disagreements that were socio-cultural in nature.

Before I delve into the major conflict that is still very memorable which took place during the era in view, let me state the composition of the military formation in Amufie as was obtainable in pre-colonial cum colonial era.

THE ELDERS COUNCIL

This is the highest decision making body in the community. It is made up of the eldest man (Onyishi) in the village and his cabinet which comprised of all the eldest people who represent the various umunna (kinsmen) that form the community. The Elders-in-council meet regularly at the palace of the onyishi (the eldest man) from time to time to deliberate on the issues that affect the community. They settle disputes among indigenes and also sanction deviant members of the community.

Whenever there was a threat or an aggression towards the community, it is the Elders-in-council that determine the cause of action, whether to return fire for fire or to sue for peace. It is worthy of note that they do not go to war because most of them are very old.

THE AGE GRADE

This group comprise of able bodied men that are usually below 50 years of age. They are the military wing of the community. They go to war to defend the community against external aggressors.  In war time, some these youths volunteer to join the army as not all of them are cut out for war. Only the brave dare the devil.

THE CHIEF PRIEST AND THE DEITY

In Igbo world view, it is believed that the spiritual controls the physical. Therefore the people of Amufie believe in the existence of a  supreme being which they communicate with through the help of the chief Priest of the diety know as ”Alumu” and other lesser gods.The Chief Priest serves as the mediator between the gods and men. In war time, the chief priest fortifies the army to be able to withstand the enemy. He prepares a special talisman known as ‘’odeshi’’ (bullet proof). This enables the men to fight without the fear of being killed.

PRE-COLONIAL WAR

There was no recorded pre-colonial war, but legend has it that there were many disputes between Amufie and their neighbours as result of the struggle for land acquisition because might was right then and only the brave could posses the land.

COLONIAL ERA

After the coming of the white men, things changed as a result of the introduction of modern warfare. Amufie people were using den guns, bows and arrows but became exposed to modern weaponry. This will be explained below.

THE WAR

The major war that occurred in 1930s was between Amufie and their other sister communities in Enugu Ezike. There is a central stream known as Alumu stream (still in existence today). This stream has been serving as the source of water for the Amufie people from time immemorial. Other villages also made use of this stream. History has it that, Ugbaike a neighbouring Amufie used a masquerade known as Aguoko to intimidate the indigenes of Amufie at the stream by chasing the women away for people of Ugbaike to fetch water. This happened unabated for a long time before the elders of Amufie mandated the youths to do something about it. The youths ambushed the Aguoko Masquerade and killed it and took its costume. The people of Ugbaike became enraged over the incident and assembled other communities in Enugu Ezike to go to war with Amufie. By their estimation, Amufie stood no chance because they were outnumbered. This occurred when Alhaji Adukwu, who though was a NUPE man had naturalized as an indigene of Amufie. He was a warrant officer then and was very close to the Whitemen. He informed the colonial army about the impending invasion of Amufie Community by the entire Enugu Ezike Army. He was given 3 military officers who were equipped with modern guns.

On the day of the invasion, the whole warriors in Enugu ezike assembled and were matching to annihilate the people of Amufie. They were armed with dane guns, machetes, bows and arrows. They were beating drums of war and singing victory songs because their large numbers gave them confidence over the tiny army that Amufie had. Unknown to them Alhaji Adukwu had hired mercenaries with modern guns. As they approached Amufie, they met the shock of their lives as the mercenaries opened fire on them. Their “odeshi’ which can only protect them against dane guns failed them and almost all the men fell that day to a superior fire power. This was the greatest war of that time and is still being remembered up till today.

Conclusively, the establishment of modern judicial system reduced communal clashes to the barest minimum as aggrieved persons now seek redress in a court of law. Therefore, the people of Amufie have embraced civilization and have shunned physical conflicts with their neighbours. Nonetheless, the youths still have an organized military outfit know as Vigilante or neighbourhood watch, but this time around their mandate has changed. Their major trust is to protect the community against armed robbers and kidnappers.

Understanding How People Behave in Inter-Personal Relationships

Psychologists define behaviour as an organism's response to internal or external stimulation. This definition shows that before behaviour is emitted there must be stimulation, then the responses to the stimulation is the behaviour. The main focus here is not about stimulation but about what determines how we respond to such stimulation.

A good observer will notice that he/she behaves differently from others. Somebody may slap you and you walk away but when he slaps another the person fight ensues. This is just one in a million examples of how we respond differently to the same stimulus. Then you begin to wonder why is it so? Why can't everybody behave the same way?

The first explanation to this is the theory of individual differences. This stipulates that no two persons are the same. It may sound weird but it is true. Starting from physical attributes; no two persons have the same finger prints. In behavioural attributes no two persons behave the same way, even homogeneous twins. Different twin studies have proven it beyond every reasonable doubt. These differences are mainly caused by two factors, namely; nature (heredity) and nurture (environment/experience). The genetic make up of an individual serves as the behavioural blueprints. It lays the foundation of the individual's behaviour. There is little or no control over this because it's congenital. The second factor which is nurture is our experiences from the environment. This is a very vital determinant of behaviour. When a child is born, it is exposed to the environment. As he/she grows up they get integrated into the norms and values of the society through the process of socialization. These include learning from the family, peers, schools, churches etc. All these agents of socialization shape the behaviour of the child. There is still an ongoing controversy among experts in Psychology on which contributes more to the formation of behaviour between nature and nurture, but that is not our focus here.

Having explained the building blocks of behaviour, it is now due to relate it to interpersonal relationships. Over 6 billion people in the world today behave differently. The above analogy on the determinants of behaviour has established to some extent why we behave differently. In interpersonal relationship, there are series of conflicts and misunderstandings between couples, brothers, sisters, friends, associates, countries etc. These conflicts arise because we misunderstand one another. We always expect others to behave like us or behave as we expect. Couples that have lived together for many years wake up one day and divorce. Brothers all of a sudden became sworn enemies. Countries that have existed mutually hitherto, began to wage war against one another. These are caused by expecting others to change for us and getting frustrated or even, if they don't.

We cannot be the same. Psychology has given us the reason why we cannot behave alike. There is no way people who live together can have the same life style. Not because you don't drink or smoke, therefore anybody who smokes or drinks is a fool or an enemy. Note that because we have different genes and experiences, your likes or dislikes can never be another person's likes or dislikes. When we begin to understand this, then we will have no problem relating with others. This is not to say that people are free to commit crime or engage in other evil activities because nature or nurture made them so. That notwithstanding, that is why I have never been an advocate of capital punishment.

Serious offenders can still be useful through the process of sublimation. This a defense mechanism used to channeled a person with aggressive behaviour into appropriate area where such behaviour will be an asset or socially acceptable. For instance, the famous boxer Mike Tyson was a street nuisance but when he became a boxer, he used his aggressive nature to achieve a great fit in boxing. Imagine the level of patriotism and dedication a suicide bomber will exhibit if his orientation is changed and he becomes a soldier. It is noteworthy that the process of sublimation requires the services of experts in the field to make it effective.

Once we understand that we are different from others. Our wives, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbours etc. cannot always do what we like; then we will stop having problems with them. We should not be expecting others to change for us. We have to accept them the way they are.

Relationship

Many a time most people relate base on trust. How reliable is the trust. Most times it is one sided. Of what use is friendship if it is mutual? Sometimes the measure given is not the measure received. The giver mostly may not understand how the tide is until it’s his turn to receive; that is when the bubble bursts. Experience they say is the best teacher but here it is better as the best lesson. If you want to know how bad a follower is give him leadership. It is unwise to depend on your good deeds towards others, because reciprocation is undoubtedly in doubt when the need arises. It wise to show a friend a way but do not disclose the bumps and T-junctions therein so that your obstruction will be difficult to achieve without your knowledge.

Before you disclose any information hold on one or two clauses to yourself so that your consultation will definitely but sought even when you have been double-crossed.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

Marriage in Africa is defined as an agreement between a man and a woman to live together as husband and wife.

 In Africa, marriage is seen as a great institution. That is why it is always celebrated like a carnival.

For the sake of this discourse Igbo society in Nigeria will be used as a case study.

 In Igbo society, after marriage is contracted, the both families involved enter into a great bond that will last for a life time. That’s why the rate of divorce in Africa is very low. The woman married into a family is generally regarded as a wife to all members of the family, but it is only the husband that has the right to live with her.  This does not imply that there is any ‘bed room’ intimacy between the bride and others. Only the husband has the right to have sexual relationship with her.

The following are the rites which one is expected to perform before marriage is contracted.

Introduction: this is the first visit by the groom’s family to the bride’s family. The purpose of this visit is to inform them of their intention to marry their daughter. This ceremony is usually low-keyed, with only a small number of people in attendance. Items to be provided for this are two gallons of palm wine, kola nuts and non-alcoholic drinks. After the groom’s family had made their intent known, they will be told to go while the bride will be interrogated to know whether she accepts the suitor to marry her. This is the period when the bride’s family makes inquires about the history and life of their prospective in-law to find out whether there is any dark spot, such as theft, poisoning, witchcraft, or any undesirable behaviour in past or present. This inquiry is very important because, should they find any negative thing, message will be sent across to them not to bother coming back. In this case, a flimsy reason will just be given to them on why the marriage must not be contracted. This is because Africans believe in heredity, re-incarnation and law of karma. This means that when one marries from a family that is involved in these wicked acts, one will either give birth to offspring who will behave like them, or share in the repercussions from their evil deeds.
Note that the groom’s family does their own inquiry before going for introduction. If the suitor passes this test, the bride’s family will send a message across to the groom’s family through the go-between to come for the response.

The second visit: this is when a date is fixed for the payment of bride price and wine carrying. A convenient date is chosen for the ceremony. Necessary arrangements are made to entertain the guests.

Payment of dowry (bride price): this is a very important aspect of marriage. It is what confirms the couple as husband and wife. On the day of the event, the groom and his kinsmen will travel to the bride’s family. The bride’s kindred will also gather in large numbers to welcome their in-laws. This occasion is always high-keyed. The suitor must provide the food and wine that will satisfy all the guests in attendance. The occasion commences with the payment of the bride price. This exercise is done like a business transaction. Much bargaining is done before an agreement is reached, although most people tell their suitors to pay whatever they wish. But there is always an expected value placed on lady based on her academic qualification, beauty, hand work or wealth. After the payment of the dowry, everybody enters into merriment, but before that, there is what is called “seeking rite” that must be performed. The bride’s father will give a cup of palm wine to her and instruct her to show everybody her husband. The bride will walk round the vicinity with the cup of palmwine in her hand searching for the groom. When she finds him, she will give him the wine kneeling down. The groom will drink from the cup and give the rest to the bride to drink. When this rite is completed they will both walk up to the middle of the arena. The DJ or traditional dance troupe will give them a very good traditional music. As they dance, everybody will join and will be spraying money on them. Note that this ‘seeking rite’ is very important. If the bride refuses to give the wine to the groom or gives it to another person, the marriage will not proceed.

After the ceremony, the groom and his people will go home leaving the bride behind. The bride will take an empty keg of palm wine to the husband’s house the next morning. This is to officially know where she is going to live for the rest of her life.  This visit only lasts for four days. After which she will go back to her father’s house with some gifts, such as soaps, creams, clothes etc.

Wine carrying: this stage is characterized by merriment and celebration. Palm wine is bought in large quantity. A large number of people are invited from both families and well wishers. The bride and the groom will dress in uniformed traditional attire. The bridal train and the groom’s men will also appear on uniformed traditional attire. The bride will be responsible for all the food and drinks to be taken on that day. There is no limit to this, but there is always a set standard.  How wealthy the groom is determines how much he can provide. The “seeking rite” will be performed here again, when the bride finds the groom there will dancing and merriment as the well wishers spray money on them. Most mothers give their daughters what they need in their new homes such as cooking utensils, bicycles, cars, motorcycles, houses, freezers etc. There is no specification here, how wealthy the bride's family is determines what they will give to their daughter. After this presentation the bride’s family will bless the couple and the groom will then take his bride home for a marital bliss.  

AFRICAN PROVERBS

Proverbs are words or statements that have implied meanings. They have meanings other than their literary meanings. In Africa, Proverbs are given it's proud of place. It is regarded as the words of wisdom. An elder is regarded as being wise if he is known to be a good user of proverbs. Mostly, it is not condoned for teenagers to use it when conversing with elders. It is a special preserve for the mature mind. In Africa, it is always fun for one to be in the gathering of elders. Observing their artistry and mastery in the act is always a thing of great delight.

The main purpose of this discourse is to show the beauty of proverbs, the usage and meanings. Below are examples of some proverbs and their meanings.
The proverbs are the first statements in the sentences while the ones in brackets are their meanings.



Proverb is the oil by with words are eaten (proverbs are very important in expressions).

A toad does not run in day time for nothing (things do not just happen without a cause)

A child who stops his mother from sleeping will not sleep either (One who wants to be wicked towards others will also have a taste of wickedness).

When an old woman falls two times she will count the contents of her basket ( it is good for one to carry out self appraisal to be able to re-strategize).

A recalcitrant house fly follows the corpse to the grave (One who does not listen to advices will always live to regret it).

When the genitals are exposed, there is no reason to be shy again (When secrets are made public; there is no need for pretense).

When a divorced woman marries another man she will be able to know the better one (When one tries two options; one will know the better one).

The tortoise said that the spit by his wife has given him satisfaction whether it is a sign of pregnancy or not (a positive sign no matter how little denotes that the outcome may be favourable).

When the she-goat chew the chord her kid will always watch her mouth (the parent's behaviour influences their ward's behaviour either positively or negatively).

A calf must squat to be able to suck her mother's breast (one must stoop to conquer)
What an elder sees setting on a chair a child cannot see it even if he stands on a ladder (wisdom comes with age).

A man who has traveled to many places has more stories to tell than an a man with gray hair who never left his house (the more one goes to different places the more one acquires information and knowledge).

One who steals his neighbours gong can never make use of it without raising suspicion (an evil doer will always be exposed by his evil deeds).

A man who is loved by many women always has an empty pocket to show for it (a womanizer spends most of his money on women).

One who brings Ant-infested firewood into his house invites lizard for a feast (most people are the architects of their own problems).

If death does not kill a sacrificial yam it must surely germinate (as long as there is life there is hope).

When the bread fruit reaches its maturity stage it must surely fall down (when things reach the ample time they must surely manifest).

A pregnant woman can never conceal her pregnancy with her palms (truth can never be hidden for long).

When birds learn to fly without perching; hunters will also learn how to shoot without aiming (desperate situations need desperate measures).

It is only a mad man who chases after rats when his house is on fire (it is reasonable to be committed to the important issues not frivolities).

It is absurd to ask whether the fire that burnt a white man to death touched his mustache (it is unreasonable to doubt the obvious).

A masquerade that comes out in the afternoon should expect that both men and women will see him (one who disgraces oneself in the public should not be worried when people talk about it).

It is not good for one to wash ones dirty underwear in the public (it is better to keep personal and private matters so).

FORCED/EARLY MARRIAGE

Must every relationship end up in marriage?

Marriage is supposed to be an agreement between two persons. Nowadays some marriages are forced. One partner may be willing while the other may not be. The willing partner will device all foul means to achieve his/her aim. Just yesterday a teenage girl of about 16 years in my neighbourhood ran away from home because the parents were forcing her to marry a 45 years old divorcée. This story is one among many in Africa.

Teenagers are forced into marriage daily in Africa. Most of these girls suffer on-told hardships in their married life.

The major causes of this trend are poverty and illiteracy. Most of these families live in abject poverty, so they see giving their daughters out in marriage as a good way to reducing their burden. The family size is usually big, as most of them do not control birth. Their lean resources definitely cannot sustain them. So the only way out is to get rid of the girls through marriage.

The only solution here is family planning and education. The families should control their births and also make girl child education compulsory. But who will bail the cat judging from the high level of economic melt down and official corruption by African politicians. It is not that Africa and other third world countries do not have the resources but, those resources are mismanaged by greedy and selfish politicians. To address this problem, poverty must be eradicated or better still reduced before any headway is made.

Another major challenge in solving this problem is religion. Some religions believe that as early as when a girl child starts her menstrual cycle is the right time to give her out in marriage. So a lot is still needed to be done in order to change the mindset of these particular people.

All eyes are still on donor agencies to help save this generation. Through aid, awareness etc.