NUPE  , formerly an

independent state of W . Africa, now a province in the British protectorate of Nigeria . Under Fula rule, Nupe occupied both banks of the Niger for a distance of some 150 M. above the Benue confluence . Only the part of Nupe north of the Niger now constitutes the province; area 6400 sq. m.; estimated pop. about 15o,000 . It is in many portions highly cultivated, and owing to its admirable water supply is likely to prove particularly valuable as a field for the extensive cultivation of cotton . Bida (q.v.), the capital, is connected by railway (built 1907—1908) with Baro, a port on the Niger 70 M. above Lokoja . Nupe had an ancient and very interesting. constitution of which the leading features were adopted by the Fula when their rule was established about the year 1859 . Bida was founded in that year . Nupe was conquered by the troops of the Niger Company in 1897, and the legal status of slavery was then nominally abolished . The company was, however, unable to occupy the country, and on the withdrawal of its troops the deposed emir returned . In 1901 it became necessary to subdue Nupe a second time . British troops marched to Bida .

The emir fled without fighting and was deposed . Another emir was appointed in his

place, took the oath of allegiance to the British crown, and worked cordially with the British resident who was stationed at Bida . The province is divided into three administrative districts—Bida, Lapai and Agaie . These are again divided into nine native districts, five to the west and four to the east of the Kaduna river . Provincial courts of justice have been established . See NIGERIA, BIDA . For an interesting account of the ancient constitution of Nupe see " The Fulani Emirates of Northern Nigeria," by Major J . A . Burdon in the Geo Journ., vol. xxiv (London, 1904) .