Bura and Pabir people also known as Bura-Pabir as we call ourselves or Babur as called in Hausa language are part of the ethnic groups in Nigeria.[1] They are located in Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo of Borno State[2] and also in Garkida, Gombi local government and in Barata, Shelleng LGA of Adamawa State. Bura-Pabir People are as well found in Bularafa in Gulani LGA and Maza in Gujba LGA of Yobe State as well as on the fringes of Gombe State in Yamaltu Deba LGA (Dadi Kowa Area).[2][3][4]
Bura and Pabir People | |
|---|---|
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Bura language | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Islam, Traditional | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Chibok, Marghi |
Origin
editThe origin of Bura-Pabir people can be traced to the migrants from Yemen through Sudan and the Chad Basin to the present Babur Bura location, Northeastern part of Nigeria.[5] However, in the mid-16th century Yamta-ra-Wala defeated the Bura people and established Biu kingdom.[6] Due to the intermarriage between Yamta Wala's people and the Bura people, a new breed of ethnic group called Bura-Pabir or Babur (in Hausa) was created and till today, Bura and Pabir' culture are very similar to the extent that they are regarded as one.[7][8][9]
Traditional ruler
editThe traditional ruler of Bura-Pabir people is locally called Kuthli or Kuhyi, and now an emir since the kingdom became an emirate. Since they are the major occupants of Biu Kingdom, their current ruler is Mai Alh. Mustapha Umar Aliyu II, the Kuhyi/Emir of Biu Kingdom.[9]
Marriage culture
editBura people have a distinct marriage system. When a girl child is born, the interested suitor signify his intention by presenting a leafy branch of tree into the mother's hut. If accepted, it is expected of him to keep on bringing gifts for the family, assisting the father in law with his farm and other things till the child become of age. Then, he has the right to employ the help of his friend to capture the wife and send her to his house before the bride price and other traditional items are provided.[4][7][10]
Language
editBura people are one of the speakers of Afro-Asiatic language of the Chadic group. They speak Bura Language and also have affinity with Hausa and Kanuri, Chibok.[1][4]
Religion
editThe Bura people are animists before the advent of Islam and Christianity in the 1920s. Their gods were represented by water, Iron, Stones, Forests etc. God is called Hyel or Hyel-mtaku (God my owner) and Haptu is a personal god who takes cares of the people.[7][5]
References
edit- ^ a b "Bura". Oxford Reference. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
- ^ a b vanguard (2017-05-10). "Full list of all 371 tribes in Nigeria, states where they originate". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Dailytrust News, Sports and Business, Politics | Dailytrust". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
- ^ a b c etuhube, aniekan (2022-03-14). "Brief history, belief, traditional marriage, and language of Bura-Pabir people". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
- ^ a b Coker, Francisca (2021-02-03). "A Brief Walk Into The Lives Of The Babur Bura People - Olatorera For Senate". Retrieved 2022-06-09.
- ^ "Biu | Nigeria | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
- ^ a b c "AFRICA | 101 Last Tribes - Bura people". www.101lasttribes.com. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
- ^ Abubakar, Sadiq (2021-01-24). "Zulum presents staff of office to emir of Biu". Blueprint Newspapers. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ a b "Zulum Presents Staff Of Office To Emir Of Biu – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". independent.ng. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "SHOCKING! See The Babur Bura Tribe In Nigeria Where A Man Organizes His Friends To Capture A Girl For Him As Wife". cdn.scoopernews.com. Retrieved 2022-06-09.