The Bokyi (or Boki) people are an ethnic group in Nigeria with a rich cultural heritage, unique language, and strong ties to their natural environment.

Here are the key things to know about the Bokyi tribe in Nigeria:

1. Location and Environment

• Geographic Location: The Bokyi people are primarily located in the Cross River State of Nigeria. Specifically, their traditional homeland is the Boki Local Government Area (LGA), situated in the northern part of the state.
• Neighboring Region: The Boki LGA shares a border with the Republic of Cameroon to the east.
• Environment: They live in a heavily forested region, which is part of the Cross River Rainforest and the Afi Mountain range. This environment has historically made them predominantly farmers and forest-dependent people.
• Economy & Cash Crops: The Boki area is known for its fertile soil and is an important commercial center for agricultural commodities such as Cocoa, Coffee, Plantain, Banana, Yams, and Palm products.

2. Language and Classification

• Language Name: The people are called Boki (or Bokyi), and their language is also called Bokyi (or Boki). The language has several other names, including Nki and Nfua.
• Classification: The Bokyi language is a regionally important member of the Bendi language group, which is a sub-family of the larger Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
• Speakers: The Bokyi language is classified as a vigorous language. Estimates for the number of native speakers vary, with some figures suggesting around 140,000 to 280,000 in Nigeria, with a few thousand more in Cameroon.
• Dialects: The language has a number of dialects, including Irruan, Osokom, Boje, and Abo, among others.

3. Traditional Governance and Leadership

• Clans and Rulers: The Boki Local Government Area is historically made up of six main clans: Irruan, Osokom I, Osokom II, Boje, Abo, and Eastern Boki.
• Leadership Structure: Each village or clan has a traditional ruler (village head), all of whom are ultimately overseen by a Paramount Ruler for the entire local government area.
• Historical Roles of Rulers: In the pre-colonial era, traditional rulers wielded significant spiritual and political power. They were considered custodians of the land, commanded respect as intermediaries between the living and the ancestors/gods, and were responsible for making and interpreting laws, often utilizing age-grades and secret cults as administrative agencies.

4. Cultural Practices and Notable Festivals

• Cultural Expressions: The Bokyi people have a vibrant culture, often showcased through traditional music and dance. The Boki Cultural Dance is a noted feature at events like the Calabar Carnival, known for its rhythmic beats and colorful costumes.
• New Yam Festival: The Boki New Yam Festival is a significant cultural event on the local calendar.
• Marriage Customs: Traditional marriage practices, including the concept of bride price (or dowry), are an important part of their customs.
• Historical Practices (Controversial): Historically, the Boki area was known for certain controversial traditional practices, including the practice of male and female circumcision and forced marriages. In an effort to curb violence and abuse against women, the government of Cross River State outlawed female genital mutilation in July 2000.