Potiskum History

Potiskum History Potiskum as a chiefdom founded by Kachalla Bauya in the 16 Century. Potiskum is in Yobe State, Nigeria. Hence; Pataskum.

Potiskum is a derivation of two (2) Ngizim words; Pata and Skum. Pata means; Bush while Skum means a three pole revered tree.

10/10/2025

The celebration of annual harvest festival to thank the Almighty Allah for a bumper harvest is a common practice among pre colonial Nigerian peoples.Festivals known as "Kamti","Bara Ma Jalam" and"Barakau" were celebrated by the Ngamo,Karai-Karai and Ngizim villages and communities respectively.These celebrations have continued into the present day among these groups.In this regard, on Wednesday,8th October,2025 the Ngamo settlement of Janga celebrated this year's edition of Kamti amidst pomp and pageantry.In the words of some speakers at the occasion,this year's celebration differed from previous ones due to the fact that all the Emirs and Mais of the District were present at the occasion.
2. That remarkable attendance is presented as a testament to the demonstration of unity,obedience to the ruler and resolve to protect culture, traditions and customs.One of the Royal Fathers in his remarks noted that our culture has been bastardised and youth of the areas unconsciously accepted to be misled.He stated that the celebration heralded a new beginning and the opportunity provided must be used to unite and protect heritage by,among other things,expanding Kamti and never again to allow anybody to mislead the district.Another Royal speaker suggested that youth should take to the ways of their forefathers in forging unity and shunning tribalism.Furthermore,jesters, clowns and performers were warned to stop setting up one people against another.
3. It would appear that the main message being conveyed was that of unity of the District.The main questions which beg for answers are unity for who, for what and why at this time? Prior to this period, when it became evident that it was not possible to fight Tikau Gudi and Pataskum at the same time,the strategy changed to co-operating with the other two and isolating Pataskum.Further attempt was made to extend this isolation strategy to the larger State Council of Chiefs.It is therefore not out of place if we take this new unity initiative with a pinch of salt.Let us open our eyes and ensure that we don't get bitten twice or even thrice.
4. In view of our bitter experiences in the recent past, we only note at this stage talk about culture bastardisation and resolve to protect our cultural heritage.The recent attempts at intentional destruction of our cultural properties and to erase our history and identity is still fresh in our minds.We must monitor the translation of this grandiose talk into reality.Timing of this initiative is important.Let us open our ears and learn the unspoken.

Helma Barka

13/12/2024

100 Years of Self-Inflicted Struggles

In an article published in the Blueprint online newspaper on June 14, 2021, titled “The Travails of Fika Emirate in Potiskum,” author Fortune Archibong indicated that the Bolewa and Fika Emirate would be celebrating a century of their movement from Fika to Potiskum in 2024. As we approach the end of the year, a few fundamental questions arise. What is the rationale behind the choice of the period from 1924 to 2024 for this celebration? Will it reflect what has been described as an “unfinished battle” or “mindless and clueless ethnic animosities”? Conversely, will it highlight the alleged socio-economic development claimed to have resulted from the presence of the Fika Emirate in Potiskum?

For an institution that claims 863 years of “recorded royalty,” the focus on the last hundred years of its history—since the Fika and Daniski phases are longer and perhaps more eventful—seems subjective and arbitrary. This current phase of struggle appears to be a deliberate attempt to uphold the 1924 movement as a “historical reality” justifying its continued presence in Potiskum. However, the arguments supporting this reality are weak and cannot withstand scrutiny. It was never a “British initiative,” as no evidence has been presented to prove that assertion. Hogben described the 1924 movement from Fika to Potiskum as “abandonment,” which Collins Dictionary defines as leaving a place permanently or for a long time, especially when one should not do so. Therefore, celebrating the 1924 movement amounts to celebrating an act of illegality.

The claim that the Ngizim of Potiskum was conquered by the Fika Emirate lacks substantiation by historical evidence. Conversely, it was the Ngizim warriors from Potiskum, sent by Mai Namiyanda, who assisted the Fika rulers in repelling attacks from Gombe, resulting in the permanent settlement of those warriors in a section of Fika town called Ga Guzum. During the 1915 uprising, Mai Agudum and his supporters attacked the Fika Emirate’s subdistrict head in Potiskum, temporarily taking over the town until British patrols arrived from Nafada to reclaim it after a fierce battle. Thanks to Ngizim elders like Maidede and Ciroma Mahdi, Lawan Sulyman, the subdistrict head, was rescued and safely escorted to Fika to reunite with his father, the Emir, unharmed. So, when, where, and how did the Fika Emirate conquer the Ngizim and Potiskum?

In celebrating 100 years since the 1924 movement from Fika to Potiskum, it should be acknowledged that it represents the last vestige of colonialism in Potiskum. Despite the repression and intrigues that characterized that period, significant progress was made in guiding the people back towards their normal historical development. The full circle would be achieved upon the eventual return to Fika. No amount of propaganda can alter this destiny.

Shehu Babayye

05/04/2023

DUWA ADURA NA JAGARI (RIJIWA MAI BAKI BIYU) WAS FOUNDED BY KACHALLA WADINA AND NGONO IN THE 16 CENTURY. THEY ARE NGIZIM BROTHERS OF DAJA CLAN. THE WELL IS LOCATED AT LAILAI POTISKUM. THE DUO ARE COMMANDERS UNDER PATASKUM CHIEFDOM. THEIR LINEAGE CAN NOW BE FOUND AROUND LAILAI, NGUJAM, JUMAAH, YINDISKI, DASHU, DANISKI, AND GARIN KACHALLAH.

Picture A is a well, Duwa Duka (rijiyan doki), This well is located at the gate of pataskum in 1571-1583 close to the pa...
05/04/2023

Picture A is a well, Duwa Duka (rijiyan doki), This well is located at the gate of pataskum in 1571-1583 close to the pataskum old prison, it was founded by the horse of Mai kachala awanyi and subsequently, it culminates into the establishment of pataskum town.

Picture B pataskum old prison ( Girgizh) was established in 1912 during the reign of the 15th Emir of pataskum Mai Agudum

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