THE ADVENT AND GROWTH OF CHRISTIANITY IN TAKUM, NIGERIA: A FACTOR IN THE KUTEB- CHAMBA/KPANZUN CRISES, 1915-1973

This article investigates the advent and growth of Christianity in Takum, Taraba State, and its role in the Kuteb-Chamba/Kpanzun crises. The study posits that the introduction of Christianity has not only transformed religious practices but has also impacted ethnic identities, contributing to heightened tensions between the Kuteb and Chamba/Kpanzu. Despite the potential of Christianity to promote social cohesion, this research identifies a gap in understanding how religious affiliation intersects with ethnic rivalries, exacerbating conflicts rather than alleviating them. The primary objective of this study is to analyse the history of Christianity in Takum and its socio-political implications for the Kuteb and Chamba/Kpanzun groups. Employing historical methodology, the research utilises both primary sources, including oral traditions and archival documents, and secondary sources to provide analysis. The findings reveal that the expansion of Christianity has facilitated both unity and division among these communities, with religious affiliations often reinforcing existing grievances and creating new sources of conflict