13 Interesting Facts About the People of Bille Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The Bille people refer to a Nigerian tribe, and here, you’ll get to see some interesting facts about this ethnic group in Nigeria. Also. Bille also called Bile is a tribe under the Ijaw people. And, they dwell in the Eastern side of Nigeria, Rivers state.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Bille Ethnic Group

And, it is a very rich tribe, with a very wholesome history. However, you will get to see facts about their history, language, location and so much more. So, let’s begin.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Bille Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The people of the Bille Ethnic Group have quite some interesting facts about them and these facts would be shared with you in this article.

1. Location

The Bille are found mainly in Rivers state, Nigeria, South-south. Going deeper, they dwell in the southeastern part of the Degema Local Government Area. Furthermore, they live mainly in Bille town, a coastal town that is barely above sea level.

2. Founding/Creation

The ancient Bille kingdom was founded by Queen Ikpakiaba and some other individuals in the 9th century. However, these individuals left their original place due to conflicts rising. Moreover, it is believed that they are emigrants of the old Benin empire.

3. Culture, as relates to women, is one of the Interesting Facts About the People of Bille Ethnic Group

As regards the culture and traditions of the Bille people, democracy has been present, even since the beginning of their people. So, women enjoy the same rights as men, equal rights.

4. Resources

Another fun fact is that, in the entirety of Degema Local Government Area, Bille town has the highest amount of mineral resources and oil.

5. Livelihood

Bille town is surrounded by a river, the sombrero river. So, the Bille people made this a very deep part of their lives, going on fishing expeditions, and selling fish. Also, the river became a source of water for daily activities, such as Washing clothes, cooking meals, bathing, and other activities.

6. Marriage: Interesting Facts About the People of Bille Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The Bille people greatly believe in the importance of marriage. Marriage is a very important part of the culture of the Bille people.

7. Population

Based on the information currently available, (The last census in Nigeria was in 2006), the Bille has a proposed population of 50,000 individuals. A definitely impressive amount of people.

8. Language

The Bille people are known to speak the Bille language, they do not speak other languages. Also, the elders are fluent in the language and pass it down to their offspring. Moreover, they pass it down using stories, songs, and other methods.

9. Towns and Villages of the Bille Kingdom is on the List of Interesting Facts About the People of Bille Ethnic Group

Now, the Bille kingdom has 35 known towns and villages under them. Although, in this article, we will list 20 of those known towns and villages.

  • JIKEAMA
  • TOUMA
  • ORUAMA
  • IMOPELEAMA
  • KRIKAMA
  • KARIAMA
  • OPU BILLEBOKO
  • ORUAMABOKO
  • ENESIRAMA
  • DIKAMA
  • DEKAMABOKO
  • MAKIRIDIKIANGA
  • MENJI-DUKIRI
  • EGBEPIRI
  • DABIRA

10. Religion

The Bille people have three main religions. These include their ethnic religion, Islam and Christianity. And, Bille people you come across are very likely to be into one of these religions.

11. Foods

Like others, this group also has its own specially prepared meals. And, some of these foods and their ingredients include:

  1. Kekefiyai- Chopped unripened plantains, Fish, Bush meat, Palm oil
  2. Owafiya- Beans, Palm oil, Fish, Bush meat, yam, or plantation.
  3. Geisha soup- Pepper, Salt, water, and fish.
  4. igbugbai fiyai- This soup is made with no oil. And, they make it using, fish, onion periwinkle, bush leaves, and seafood.

Moreover, these meals are certainly amazing, basically an adventure. Also, the Bille people are known for being very nice and welcoming.

12. Behavior: Interesting Facts About the People of Bille Ethnic Group

Another thing is that the Bille people are known for being very nice and welcoming. So, if you plan on visiting there, you will definitely meet people that are very accommodating.

13. Medicine

If sick, the Bille people used herbs for treatment. This method certainly worked out for them.

Conclusion

However, we hope you found this article really helpful. And, we have more coming up. Definitely, you will really enjoy reading about the different ethnic groups and their ways of life in Nigeria.

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