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Submit Bassa, Nigeria
The Bassa or Basa (English:/http://Bas.sa/"bä-sə/)[1] are an Ethnic group in Nigeria.
The Bassa people speak the Bassa language, which belongs to the Kainji family under the sub-phylum Western-Kainji, also referred to as Rubassa.[2]
Bassa people are primarily found in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), specifically in Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and Municipal areas.[3] Gwagwalada serves as their traditional headquarters.[4] Additionally, Bassa communities can be found in various states, including: Kogi in Bassa, Dekina, Ankpa, Koto, Lokoja Local Government Areas[5] Niger in Kontagora, Shiroro, Mashegu, Gurara, Wushishi, Rafi, Minna, Lapai, Suleja Local Government Areas[6] Nasarawa in Kokona, Toto, Karu, Keffi, Doma Local Government Areas[7] Benue in Apa-Agatu and Makurdi[8] and Kwara states.
The population of the Bassa people is estimated at 300,000 as of 2020.[9] However, some sources suggest that this figure may be highly disputed, with estimates suggesting a population triple this size or more.[10]
The major occupation of the Bassa people is farming.[11] This has led to their spread across various regions of the country, including Oyo, Ekiti, and Edo.
Some popular Bassa towns include Gwagwalada,[12] Toto, Tawari, Ugya, Gbameni Oguma, Shiroro, Ashara, Kundu, Turuku, Katakpa, Kassanki, Wukara, Gbeshikere, Juwa, Rubochi (Urubochi), Keyenfu (Keyenhu), Zwere, Wusa, Sardauna Gbemgbem, Tekpese, Udwa, Kpakwu Bassa, Kongbo, Giri, Sauka, Rukubi, Bassa (Abuja airport road), Oweito (I'hwetu), Dausu, O'nuku), Robomi (Urubomi), I'kende.
HISTORY OF THE BASSA PEOPLE OF NIGERIA
[edit]The Bassa people are an ethnic group found in various African countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and the Liberian coast. Despite the ambiguity surrounding the name "Bassa," research indicates that the Bassa tribe belongs to the larger KRU ethnic group.
The KRU ethnic group comprises several tribes, including the Bassa, Bété, Krumen, Guéré, Grebo, Klao, Krahn, and Jebo people. These tribes share striking similarities in their cultural history, occupation, religious rituals, and political organization. The KRU people are believed to have migrated from the Nilotic eastern African countries to their present locations.
Scholars have proposed different migration theories, with some suggesting that the Bassa people originated from Egypt, while others claim that they migrated from South Sudan. Although the exact migration route is unclear, it is evident that the Bassa people originated from the Nilean axis.
In Nigeria, the Bassa-speaking people are a unique tribe known for their significant politico-socio-economic impact. Their hard work and diligence have contributed to their influence in the country, albeit often underrecognized.
MIGRATION OF THE BASSA PEOPLE
[edit]The Bassa people, an indigenous tribe in Nigeria, predominantly occupy the central region of the country, also known as the North Central or Middle Belt. This geopolitical zone comprises seven states: the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Nasarawa; Kogi; Kwara; Plateau; Benue; and Niger.
Historically, the Bassa people are believed to have originated from a town near Zaria, Kaduna State, named Gabi (Igebi). According to W. B. Baikie, "The Bassa are said to have come originally from a town near Zaria, named Gabi."
The Bassa headquarters was located at Gumna (Uguma), which was an indigenous and independent Bassa district in Niger State, Nigeria. However, Gumna suffered a series of attacks and subjugation under Kotangora ethnic forces.
The exodus of the Bassa people is believed to have started from Gumna, with some migrating north via Kamberi and Dawakin Bassa to the Zamfara towns of Bangudu, Gedda, and Kotorkoshi. Others settled in Kotangora province, while some migrated directly or sojourned at Bugu in Nasarawa Province.
The Bassa people have preserved their history through tales and songs, which often commemorate their ancestors and origin. One such song, commonly sung among the Bassa people, remembers their progenitors:
"Ga omu 'wi taa nụ Zarɛnya, Serechi ma-ta. Ga ada 'wi taa nụ Zarɛnya, Serechi Ma-za."
Translation:
"Mother died far away in Zaria, Queen of Women. Father died far away in Zaria, King of men."
Another tale, passed down through generations, tells the story of Mr. Spider, who lost his in-laws in a far-away town on the hills. This tale is believed to support the fact that the Bassa people originated from around Zaria.
DIALECTS OF THE BASSA LANGUAGE
[edit]The Bassa language, spoken by the Bassa tribe, exhibits variations in dialects across different areas, communities, and social groups. These dialects, although distinct, differ from one another in relatively minor ways, particularly in terms of grammar, phonology, and lexicon.
The dialects of the Bassa language are influenced by the community and geographical location of the speakers. As a result, various dialects have emerged, including Bassa Gurmana, Bassa Komu, Bassa Kamuku, Bassa Kwali, Bassa Rukuba, and Bassa Akpanaja. Despite their differences, these dialects are genealogically linked, descending from the same ancestral roots.
It is essential to note that the Bassa Nge dialect is distinct from the aforementioned dialects, as it is of Nupe origin.
- ^ Bassa. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
- ^ Crozier, D. H.; Blench, R. M. (1992). An Index of Nigerian Languages. Dallas, TX:Summer Institute of Linguistics. p. 32.
- ^ Imoh, Philip Manda (2012). "Negativization in Bassa Language". Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities. 13 (1). doi:10.4314/ujah.v13i1.6.
- ^ Morgan, W.; Campbell, Irons (1913–1917). Abuja Emirate Assessment Report of Districts. p. 190.
- ^ Imoh, Philip Manda (2012). "Negativization in Bassa Language". Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities. 13 (1). doi:10.4314/ujah.v13i1.6.
- ^ Zents, Kunle Sowunmi (2017-05-10). "Full List of all 371 Tribes in Nigeria, States and where they Originate". Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ Wabare, Paul (1993). The Bassa Speaking People of Nigeria. Ahmadu Bello University Press LTD Zaria. p. 11. ISBN 978-125-121-2.
- ^ Wabare, Paul (1993). The Bassa Speaking People of Nigeria. Ahmadu Bello University Press LTD Zaria. p. 11. ISBN 978-125-121-2.
- ^ "Basa-Benue". Ethnologue, languages of the world, 25th edition; Eberhard, David M., Gary F., Simons, and Charles D. Fennig. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ Imoh, Philip Manda (2012). "Negativization in Bassa Language". Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities. 13 (1). doi:10.4314/ujah.v13i1.6.
- ^ Wabare, Paul (1993). The Bassa Speaking People of Nigeria. Ahmadu Bello University Press LTD Zaria. p. 11. ISBN 978-125-121-2.
- ^ Morgan, W.; Campbell, Irons (1913–1917). Abuja Emirate Assessment Report of Districts. p. 190.