Religion in Bauchi State

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Religion in Bauchi State, Nigeria, is mainly Islam and Christianity. Sharia law applies across the state. About 80% of people are Muslim, Christians about 15%, and traditionalist religions about 5%. Evangelical Christians are the largest Christian group, but Roman Catholics and Anglicans are also present. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bauchi is based in the state, and the Anglican Diocese of Bauchi is part of the Church of Nigeria’s Province of Jos. Bauchi has seen sectarian violence in the past.

Islam arrived from the Borno area in the 14th century and became firmly rooted in the late 17th century through the Sokoto Caliphate. A key early spread involved Yakubu, son of Dosa of the Gerawa, and Bello from the Bakal people. They were sent to study Arabic, moved to Sokoto, and were sent back to establish Islam in Bauchi. Bello worked to gain support from the Bakal communities along the Jetar–Zungur route, while Yakubu’s Gerawa people remained largely non-Muslim after his death. During the spread, battles occurred, including clashes around Duguri and Ngigera, with a night battle at Twonglang where a commander was killed.

Under colonial rule, some areas shifted between authorities before returning to Bauchi. Islam faced resistance at the Dass frontier, notably in the Mbula battle near Jakiri, but eventually gained ground. Islam spread further with the Dass Emirate being established, and Maleka, the father of Bilyaminu Othman, becoming the first Emir of Dass. By the 19th century, most people in the region had joined Islam.