The Gbagyi or Gbari (plural: Agbagyi/Agbari) are an ethnic group found predominantly in Central Nigeria with an estimated population of 12 million spread across four states, including Abuja, and located in thirty local government areas. It is also the name of their language. Members of this ethnic group speak two dialects.
While speakers of the dialects were loosely called Gwari by the Hausa, Fulani, and Europeans during pre-colonial Nigeria, they prefer to be known as Gbagyi/Gbari. They live in Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Kaduna State, and Nasarawa State.
Gbagyi/Gbari is one of the most populous ethnic groups in the middle belt and indigenous to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, meaning they are bonafide owners of Abuja.
History
Social-political Structure
Historically, the Gbagyi/Gbari practice a patrilineal kinship system. The lowest tier of authority is found in the extended family compound led by the oldest male. Being a patriarchal community, the Osu (king) is the highest tier of authority and is assisted by a council of elders responsible for peacekeeping.
Additionally, their familiarity with lapis lazuli stone has led to theories linking them to Egyptian origin. Further complexity is added by linguistic affinities with Nupe, and historical ties with the Koro, who claim origin from Wukari and the Kwarafara empire (Cadman, 1913).
Settlement
The Gbagyi people are located across various parts of Middle Belt Nigeria, especially:
- Western Abuja
- Southern Niger State
- Chikun LGA, Kaduna State
- Nasarawa State
Significant towns include:
Minna, Karu, Kuta, Kwakuti, Kwali, Gawu, Yelwa, Toto, Araba, Nakuse, Rubochi, Abaji, Geku, Gadabuje, Majaga, Gusolo (Gussoro), Gbada (Gwada), Guni, Fuka, Galkogo, Maikunkele, Manta, Wushapa (Ushafa), Bisi, Bwaya (Bwari), Suleja, Shiroro (Shilolo), Beji, Diko, Alawa, Erena, Paiko (Paigo), Lambata, Zugba, Nuku, Gbogo, Farin Doki
Theories on Migration
- Some believe they were displaced during the Fulani Jihad.
- Others link migration to the search for farmland (Chigudu, pp. 1–2).
- Farming-based settlements tend to be smaller to ensure land availability.
Displacement from Abuja Lands
The Gbagyi were the largest ethnic group inhabiting land acquired for Abuja’s development. Consequences included:
- Dislocation from ancestral homes
- Separation from spiritual symbols like Zuma Rock
- Land labeled as "no-man’s land"
- Long stays in transit camps, despite housing provisions
Culture
The Gbagyi are known for being peace-loving, transparent, and accommodating.
In Hausa, a popular saying goes:
"Muyi shi Gwari Gwari"
"Let’s do it like the Gbagyi" or "In the Gbagyi way"
According to Theophilus Tanko Chigudu, Gbagyi culture reveals their profound resilience and harmony with life, regardless of hardship.
Language
The Gbagyi language is part of the Kwa sub-division of the Niger-Congo language family. However, some scholars like Kay Williamson classify it under Benue-Congo.
Two dialects exist:
- Gbari (Gwari Yamma)
- Gbagyi
Religion
- Predominantly Christian
- Subsets practice Islam and traditional religion
Traditional Beliefs
- Belief in a supreme God called Shekwoyi
- Worship of deities like Maigiro
- Belief in reincarnation
Religious Influence
Christianity spread through:
- Sudan Interior Mission (SIM)
- Baptist Missionaries from southwest Nigeria
Islam reached the Gbagyi through:
- 18th–19th century Fula jihads
- Colonial and post-colonial conversions
List of Notable Gbagyi People
- Ibrahim Babangida – Former President of Nigeria
- Bez – Musician
- Ladi Kwali – Celebrated Potter
References
Sources
- Shekwo, Joseph (1984). Understanding Gbagyi Folktales: Premises for Targeting Salient Electronic Mass Media Programs. Thesis, Northwestern University.
- Rosendall, Elias (1998). Aspects of Gbari Grammar. Thesis, University of Texas at Arlington.