[1] After resolving the issues related to Mehdiyya and before continuing his journey, Abd al-Mumin summoned the emirs of the Banu Riyâh’ established in Ifrîkiyya.
However, the Arab leaders categorically refused, proudly asserting that they could handle it on their own and preferred to receive assistance only from their Muslim brothers.
The Banu Riyāh sought help from other Arab Hilalians, including the Zughba faction, but they also refused.
‘Abd el-Mou’min made no mention of this affair and quickly continued his march toward Al-Maghrib al-Adna, until he reached the vicinity of Constantine.
He stayed there for twenty days, intercepting roads and preventing any soldier from leaving the camp.
Reassured, the Banu Riyāh who had abandoned him returned from the plains where they had sought refuge and reoccupied their usual places.
These two leaders accelerated their progress through uninhabited regions and surprised the Banu Riyāh from behind, cutting off any possibility of retreat.
Determined to conquer or die, the few faithful fighters to Mahrez ben Ziyad cut the tendons of their horses, and for three days, they stood firm in the midst of a field of carnage.
Furthermore, Abd al-Mumin offered the Banu Hilal huge sums and managed to secure their help in designating his son Mohammed as his heir apparent in 1156.