Marghi people

Last updated
Marghi people
Total population
360,000 (est.)
Languages
Marghi language
Religion
Sunni Islam
Related ethnic groups
A forest in Marghiland Le Tour du monde-02-p212.jpg
A forest in Marghiland
A Marghi village (1860) Le Tour du monde-02-p209.jpg
A Marghi village (1860)

The Marghi people (Margi) are an ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily residing in the states of Adamawa (Askira) and Borno (Askira Uba). They have a population estimated at 360,000 and communicate using the Marghi language. Despite having their own language, the Marghi people are usually bilingual, sometimes even trilingual. In Borno, they speak Kanuri, while in Adamawa, they speak Fulfulde, both of which are dominant languages in their respective states. [1] :271–274 [2] :213–216 [3]

Contents

Origin

The Marghi people are believed to have migrated from the Mandara mountains and other highlands in northern Cameroon. Their migration was characterized by sporadic movements, as they immigrated in groups or clans (fal in Marghi). Many settled within the Bornu empire, while others migrated southwards into the Adamawa region. As a result of their settlement in diverse areas, the Marghi people were exposed to various cultural influences from neighboring ethnic groups, such as the Kamwe people, which they scornfully called higi in 1937 [4] Kanuri, Kilba, and Pabir (Babur). [3] :45–61. The Margi, Kamwe, Bura and Chibok people are a branch of the Afro-asiatic language found in Northern Nigeria and North Western Cameroon

Notable Marghi people

See also

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References

  1. Temple, O.; Temple, Charles Lindsay (1919). Notes on the tribes, provinces, emirates and states of the northern provinces of Nigeria;. Robarts - University of Toronto. Cape Town, Argus.
  2. Meek, C. K. (1931). Tribal studies in northern Nigeria. Vol. 1. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. via Internet Archive.
  3. 1 2 Vaughan, James Herbert Jr (2000). The Margi of the Mandaras: A Society on the Verge.
  4. Kwache, Iliya Yame (2016) Kamwe People of Northern Nigeria: Origin, History and Culture. Prudent Universal Press and Publishing Company Ltd Kaduna Nigeria
  5. Higazi, A.T. (2007). "Violence urbaine et politique à Jos (Nigeria), de la période colonial aux élections de 2007". Politique Africaine.