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

The people of Sukur Ethnic group in Nigeria reside in Sukur Kingdom, located in Madagali,
Adamawa State, on the Nigerian side of the Mandara-Cameroun borderlands, with approximately 16,000 individuals. In this post, we’ll be discussing 13 Interesting Facts About the People of Sukur Ethnic Group in Nigeria.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Sukur Ethnic Group

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

These interesting facts you are about to read about the people of the Sukur ethnic group in Nigeria will teach you about them;

1. Origin

The word “Sukur” signifies “vengeance”. The Sukur people’s settlement, Sukur, was founded by their ancestors who sought refuge from violence or “Sukur.” The Sukur Kingdom prospered as a cultural landscape from the early 16th to late 18th centuries.

The Kingdom was governed by the Dur chiefly dynasty since the 17th century, experiencing a period of stable leadership. They enjoyed relative peace until the emergence of the Lamido of Madagali, Hamman Yaji, who led a conquest and plundered the kingdom.

2. Language

The Sukur people communicate using the Sukur language, which is a part of the Chadic language family.

3. Recognition; Interesting Facts About the People of Sukur Ethnic Group

The Sukur ethnic group has gained significant national and international recognition due to its rich history and culture. In 1999, the Sukur cultural landscape was designated as a World Heritage Site (WHS), making it the first one in Nigeria.

However, the preservation of this cultural heritage is at risk, particularly with the recent surge of terrorist attacks in the northeastern region of Nigeria.

4. Food

Some of their most common dishes include Tuwo shinkafa, Miyan taushe, Nyama soya,
and also Zaki.

5. Dress

The Sukur people are recognized for their unique and vibrant traditional attire, crafted
from brightly coloured fabrics. Men commonly wear a long shirt and trousers, while women wear a long dress and headscarf. They also adorn themselves with jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

6. Festivals is One of the Interesting Facts About the People of Sukur Ethnic Group

The people of the Sukur ethnic group observe three significant festivals: Hidi Durbar
(Yawal), which pays tribute to their paramount chief, the Hidi; Sakki Festival, celebrated during, the dry season to rejoice in the harvest; and Mask Festival, held in the rainy season to honour the spirits of their ancestors.

7. Oral Tradition

The Sukur people have a rich oral tradition, which includes stories, songs, and proverbs. One example of a Sukur oral tradition is the story of the “talking fig tree.” Another example of a Sukur oral tradition is the song “Gidan Hidi”.

Sukur proverbs are also an important part of the Sukur oral tradition. An example of a Sukur proverb is, “The fig tree does not grow in the sand.” (This proverb means that it is important to have a strong foundation.)

8. Governance

The people possess an intricate system of traditional law and governance, led by a paramount chief called the Hidi. Their Hidi’s palace is a splendid building, constructed from
dry stone and adorned with elaborate carvings.

9. Beliefs and Myths; Interesting Facts About the People of Sukur Ethnic Group

These people hold the belief that their ancestors rest in the hills, and they often offer tributes to them at sacred locations. Additionally, they share a unique connection with
the fig tree, considering it a representation of fertility and prosperity.

10. Religion

The abundance of shrines and altars within and around the Sukur landscape indicates that a significant portion of the Sukur population continues to follow traditional religious
beliefs. Nevertheless, there are also a considerable number of Christians and Muslims among the Sukur people.

11. Marriage custom

In the Kingdom of Sukur, there are two main types of marriages: primary and secondary marriages. Primary marriages are celebrated with great pomp and cannot be completely dissolved.

On the other hand, secondary marriages are contracted and dissolved with less formality. A woman’s initial marriage is considered her primary marriage, while men have the option to have multiple primary marriage partners.

12. Economy; Interesting Facts About the People of Sukur Ethnic Group

For centuries, farming has been the primary occupation of the Sukur people, defining their way of life. This has also brought about a boost in their economy.

13. Skills

The Sukur people are well-known for their traditional expertise in mining, refining, and smelting iron ore, a skill they have been practising since the 16th century. Their remarkable innovation and inventiveness enable them to pass down this iron smelting and casting knowledge to future generations with great success.

Conclusion

While designating the Sukur Kingdom as a World Heritage Site is important, the government should also focus on enhancing its appeal to tourists. This involves providing essential infrastructure such as good roads, electricity, clean drinking water, and security, as well as offering services like tourist guides and educational institutions for the people.

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