In the area of northwestern part of hausa land there existed a large group of fulani who migrated to the area from futa-toro, senegal Some of them settled and inter-married with Hausawa. Others continued to live pastoral life and remained largely non-muslims. The fulani like their hausa counterpart suffered from atrocities of the hausa rulers.
Shehu Usman Dan Fodiyo a fulani of Toronkawa led the jihad in hausa land clan. He was born in 1754 in Degel, Gobir. He came from a learned family he studied Islamic sciences such as Islamin law, theology, mysticism etc. From his father, uncle and other teachers.
Shehu UsmanDan Fodiyo was engaged in teaching and preaching at the tender age of 20. His preaching tour took him to Gobir, Kebbi, Zamfara, etc. In this process he came to know of hausa peoples problem.
His criticism of the injustice of hausa rulers un-Islamic practices as well as call for reform drew him support. He was therefore able to build considerable followers, becouse of the threat posed by shehu's activities and that of this followers, Sarkin Gobir (King of Gobir) Bawa tried to kill him and when this failed attempt was made to buy his goodwill in form of giving him the right to preah freely however, the concession was denied by the new ruler of Gobir, Yunfa He tried to frustrate Shehu's activities in the following ways.
• He fordable all except Usman Danfodiyo from preaching.
• Fordable the conversion of non-Muslim to Islam
• Fordable wearing of turban by male muslims. and veil by women.
• Ordered those bot born Muslim to rwnounce their faith.
Intense persecution and attack on shehu and his followers (Jama'a) forced them to migrate to Gudu outside Gobir territory on 21 February, 1804. This was an Imitation of prophet Muhammad flight from mecca to madina. When clashes broke out between Gobir forces and the jihad is at Tabkin kwotto, Gobir suffered depeat despite its heavy cavalry.
This was becouse of the high morable and determination of the Jama'a. However when the battle of Tsuntsuwa took place, the Jama'a were crushed with about 2000 deaths. Gobir's victory was short lived for the, Jama'a regained strength and defeated it.
From Gobir, the Jihad spread to other places, this was as a result of the contracts established with Muslim leaders and their followers across Hausa land. Leaders from kebbi, kano, Daura, Katsina, Zamfara and host of others came and paid allegiance to Usman Dan Fodiyo who was declared as Amirul-Muminin or commander of the faithful. These people were given flag signifying approval to wage the jihad in their areas.
Thus, one area after another was overran and taken through the efforts of the people living there consequently thirty emirates were established.