The Bura, also often referred to as Bura-Pabir or Babur, are an ethnic group primarily located in the northeastern region of Nigeria. They are notable for their distinct cultural history, which is closely tied to the Biu Kingdom.

Here is a breakdown of key things to know about the Bura tribe in Nigeria:

1. Location and Demographics

• Geographical Area: The Bura people primarily inhabit the southern part of Borno State, particularly in the Local Government Areas of Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani, and Bayo.
• Other States: They also have communities in neighboring states, including Adamawa (Gombi, Shelleng) and Yobe (Gulani, Gujba).
• Population: The population of the Bura-Pabir people is estimated to be over 500,000.

2. History and the Biu Kingdom

• Bura-Pabir Distinction: The Bura are generally considered one group with the Pabir (or Babur), but their history shows an important distinction. In the 16th century, the Bura people were attacked and subdued by a group led by Yamta-ra-Wala.
• Biu Dynasty: Yamta-ra-Wala’s followers intermarried with the Bura, establishing the Biu Kingdom and founding the Pabir ethnic group (who are sometimes called the Babur by the Hausa).
• Socio-Political Structure: The Pabir historically became the ruling class, with the Bura as the subjects who paid tribute. They both speak the same language and have heavily intermingled, with their cultures largely fusing, though historical resentment has been noted. Their traditional ruler is the Emir of Biu.

3. Language

• Name and Family: The Bura people speak the Bura or Bura-Pabir language, which belongs to the Chadic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.
• Related Languages: The language is closely related to other languages in the region like Kilba, Chibok, and Margi.
• Other Languages Spoken: Due to their location and history, many Bura also speak Hausa.

4. Culture and Tradition

• Main Occupation: The primary occupation of the Bura people is farming, cultivating cash and food crops like maize, guinea corn, groundnut, and rice. They are known to be part of the food basket of the Biu Emirate.
• Traditional Marriage (Historical): Traditionally, the courtship and marriage process was quite distinct:
  • A suitor would signify his intention to marry a girl (even an infant) by placing a leafy branch in her mother’s hut.
  • He would provide gifts and help the girl’s father with farm work as she grew up.
  • Once the girl reached marriageable age, he would organize a group of friends to “capture” her and take her to his house before the final bride price and ceremony were completed.
  • A white cloth, stained to prove the bride’s virginity, was historically expected and displayed with pride.
• Traditional Religion: Before the arrival of Islam and Christianity in the 1920s, the Bura practiced a traditional religion called Hyel or Hyel-taku (God, my owner). They believed in a supreme God but also in a personal god, Haptu, who took care of individuals. Traditional gods were often represented by natural objects like water, stones, mountains, and forests.
• Modern Religion: Today, the Bura practice Islam and Christianity, with Islam being the predominant religion in the tribe.
• Festival: The main traditional festival is the Maize Harvest Festival, which is performed before the fresh corn is eaten.