Gur · Nigeria’s peoples

Bariba (Baatombu)

The Baatombu, also called Bariba, are with the Boko and Busa the traditional rulers and owners of the land in Borgu, the old kingdom that straddles the Nigeria–Benin border.

See the Bariba (Baatombu) on the map Borgu

At a glance

Where do the Bariba (Baatombu) people live?: Their homeland is in Baruten in Kwara State, across 1 local government area.
What language do the Bariba (Baatombu) speak?: Baatonum, a language of the Gur family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › North Volta-Congo › Gur).
Which kingdoms are part of Bariba (Baatombu) history?: Borgu

Overview

The Baatombu, also called Bariba, are with the Boko and Busa the traditional rulers and owners of the land in Borgu, the old kingdom that straddles the Nigeria–Benin border. Most live in Benin; in Nigeria they are the main people of Baruten LGA in Kwara State, with larger centres at Okuta and Ilesha and older towns at Yashikira and Kenu. Their language, Baatonum, is a Gur language, unrelated to Yoruba or Hausa.^[2],[3],[1]High confidence

Where the Bariba (Baatombu) live

Local government areas by state. Homeland: the group is the majority. Shared area: a large share of a mixed area. Smaller presence: present, but a small share.

Kwara
- Baruten(Homeland)

Areas are approximate and show where people live. They are not claims of land ownership.

Communities beyond the homeland

Bariba of Baruten

Baruten, Kwara State: Okuta, Ilesha Baruba, Gwanara.^[4],[5],[6]High confidence

In Nigeria the Baatombu live in Baruten LGA. Their Wasangari rulers came, by tradition, by way of Bussa; the chiefs of Okuta, Ilesha and Gwanara rode with Sero Kpera of Nikki to the Eleduwe war against Ilorin in the 1830s. The Gani festival, with its horsemen, is their great feast.^[4],[5]

Language

Baatonum, a language of the Gur family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › North Volta-Congo › Gur).^[1]High confidence

In history

BorguBorgu at its height, 1783

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).