Chadic · Nigeria’s peoples

Bura-Pabir

The Bura and the Pabir (Babur) of southern Borno speak one Chadic language in two dialects, though they see themselves as distinct peoples; most Pabir are Muslim and most Bura Christian.

See the Bura-Pabir on the map

At a glance

Where do the Bura-Pabir people live?: Their homeland is in Bayo, Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar and Shani in Borno State, across 5 local government areas.
What language do the Bura-Pabir speak?: Bura-Pabir, a language of the Chadic family (Afro-Asiatic › Chadic).

Overview

The Bura and the Pabir (Babur) of southern Borno speak one Chadic language in two dialects, though they see themselves as distinct peoples; most Pabir are Muslim and most Bura Christian. They are the main people of Biu and Shani, and also speak Hausa, Kibaku and Marghi.^[2]High confidence

Where the Bura-Pabir 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.

Borno
- Bayo(Homeland)
- Biu(Homeland)
- Hawul(Homeland)
- Kwaya Kusar(Homeland)
- Shani(Homeland)
- Askira Uba(Smaller presence)
- Chibok(Smaller presence)
- Maiduguri(Smaller presence)
Yobe
- Bade(Smaller presence)
- Gujba(Smaller presence)
- Gulani(Smaller presence)
- Jakusko(Smaller presence)

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

Communities beyond the homeland

Biu

Biu, Borno State: Kogu, Mandaragirau, Dlimbur.^[3]High confidence

Seat of the Mai Biu since Mari Biya moved there in 1878; the kingdom counts its rulers from Yamta-ra-Wala about 1535, whose first capital at Dlimbur is now an archaeological site, and whose heirs split between Kogu and Mandaragirau.^[3]

Shani

Shani, Borno State.^[4]High confidence

Part of Biu Division from 1918 and of the Biu federation from 1957.^[4]

Language

Bura-Pabir, a language of the Chadic family (Afro-Asiatic › Chadic). ISO 639-3: bwr.^[1],[2]High confidence

Sources

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