The Place of Bonny in Niger Delta History

Abstract

Bonny occupies a strategic position in the Niger Delta Studies. Issues to be
examined in this article include the circumstances surrounding the founding
of this unique settlement on the Rio Real of Eastern Delta and its
implications for the reconstruction of the history of other Niger Delta
communities. An attempt will be made to unravel the strains encountered by
the indigenous economy of our study area in the face of the assault of Old
and New imperialism of the West from the fifteenth centuries to the recent
past. Bonny’s strategic and pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in the
study area is also highlighted.