Gbagyi or Gbari (plural – Agbagyi) is the name and the language of Gbagyi/Gbari ethnic group who are predominantly found in Central Nigeria Area with population of about 15million people. Members of the ethnic group speak two dialects. While speakers of the dialects were loosely called Gwari by both the Hausa Fulani and Europeans during pre-colonial Nigeria but they prefer to be known as Gbagyi. They live in the Niger, Kaduna, States and the Federal Capital Territory. They are also found in Nasarawa and Kogi States in central Nigeria Area. Gbagyi is the most populated ethnic and indigenous group in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria and their major occupation is farming.

Social-Political Structure

Historically, the Gbayi practice a patrilineal kinship system. The lowest tier of authority is found in the extended family compound led by the oldest male. The compound consists of small huts and rectangular buildings. The Esu (king) is the highest tier of authority in a Gbagyi settlement and he is assisted by a group of elders.

The Gbagyi people are predominantly farmers but they are also hunters while some are involved making traditional arts and craft products such as pottery and woodwork like mortar and pestle. Gbagyi are good with mixing clay to produce decorative household products such as pots.

Settlement

The Gbagyi people are found in different various locations in Central Nigeria. They inhabit the western parts of Abuja (FCT), southern Niger State, parts of Kaduna State, Plateau and Nasarawa States. Significant Gbagyi towns include Minna, Kaduna, Kwakuti, Kwali, Shiroro, Birnin Gwari, Munya, Rafi and Paiko. There are some theories that posit a reason for the scattered settlements and migration of the Gbagyi people.

Gbagyi settlements can be both large and small. In locations were farming is the dominant occupation, the settlements tend to be small so that enough land is available for farming.

Culture

The Gbagyi people are known to be peace-loving, transparent and accommodating people. Northerners are fond of saying in Hausa language muyi shi Gwari Gwari, “let’s do it like the Gbagyi” or “in the Gbagyi way”. According to Tanko Chigudu, the Gbagyi people have emerged as a unique breed among Nigerians: their culture shows how much they have come to terms with the universe. Daily they aspire to give life a meaning no matter the situation they find themselves.

Language

Gbagyi language is part of the Kwa sub-division of the Niger-Congo language family, [12] however, some researchers such as Kay Williamson put the language in the Benue-Congo family. The people speak two dialects that are sometimes called Gbari (Gwari yamma) and Gbagyi dialects.

Religion

The Gbagyi people are adherents of Islam, Christianity and traditional African religion. In their traditional religion some Gbayi believe in a God called Shekwoi (one who was there before their ancestors) but they also devote themselves to appeasing deities of the god such as Maigiro. Many Agbagyi believe in reincarnation.
Islam became more prominent among the people after the Fulani jihad while Christianity was introduced to the people by the Sudan Interior Mission (also known locally as Evangelical Church of West Africa).

Displacement from Lands in Abuja

The Gbagyi were the largest among the ethnic groups that inhabited the land proposed for development when Abuja was chosen as Nigeria’s new federal capital. The result of the dislocation was the removal of people from their ancestral homes, from spiritual symbols such as Zuma Rock, seeing their ancestral land being referred to as no mans land and issues about adjusting to the new environment given by the government. However, many displaced families were given mushroom housing but some lived in transit and settlements camps for a long while.

Written by Chigudu Tanko Theophilus

References

^ “Homeland Appears to be Between Niger and Benue Confluence”. African Guardian. Retrieved 2016-04-16.
^ Chigudu Tanko Theophilus (2008), A brief History of the Gbagyi Speaking People, an unpublished Article
^ Mefor, Law (16 December 2008). “Is FCT truly a federal zone?”. Daily Independent (Nigeria: Independent Newspapers Limited (Lagos), viaodili.net). Retrieved 2009-12-20.
^ Chigudu Tanko Theophilus, (2008:2,) The Impact Of Urbanization on the Gbagyi People in Abuja.