Kainji · Nigeria’s peoples

Lopa

The Lopa call themselves Djiri and their language Kirikjir.

At a glance

Where do the Lopa people live?: Their homeland is in , across 0 local government areas.
What language do the Lopa speak?: Lopa (Kirikjir), a language of the Kainji family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Kainji).

Overview

The Lopa call themselves Djiri and their language Kirikjir. About 5,000 live around Lake Kainji, with Lopa majorities at Amboshidi and Tungan Bori in Borgu LGA and others in Kebbi State. Those in Borgu are assimilating to Busa.^[2],[3],[1]High confidence

Where the Lopa 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.

Niger
- Borgu(Smaller presence)
Kebbi
- Ngaski(Smaller presence)
- Yauri(Smaller presence)

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

Communities beyond the homeland

Lopa villages

Borgu, Niger State: Lopa town (arop), Gafara, Raishe, Tungan Masu, Bakin Ruwa, Lapar, Ana.^[5]Medium confidence

Ollop is spoken in the main villages of Lopa town, Gafara and Raishe and the smaller villages of Tungan Masu, Bakin Ruwa, Lapar and Ana; Lopa near the Busa have shifted to the Busa language.^[5]

Language

Lopa (Kirikjir), a language of the Kainji family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Kainji).^[1]High confidence

Sources

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