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

You might have heard of the Lopa people before now. Or this is your first time of reading about the Lopa ethnic group. No need to worry as this post will give you 13 Interesting Facts About the People of Lopa Ethnic Group in Nigeria.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Lopa Ethnic Group

Facts like their part in Nigeria are very important to ethnicity. They can be found in the north-central region of Nigeria. Also, facts like their religion, as well as language, are also important to their ethnicity.

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

Keep reading to learn interesting facts about the people of Lopa ethnic group in Nigeria as well as their resident state.

1. State Of Residence In The Country

Lopa people of Nigeria are part of the north-central tribe in Nigeria. They can be traced down to two states in Nigeria, Niger state and also Kebbi state Nigeria.

2. Local Government Area

To gain deep knowledge of the Lopa people, paramount knowledge about their location is very important. Their land and local government area where they live currently play a huge role in not just classifying them but pinpointing the unique traits attributed to them.

The people of the Lola tribe of Nigeria can be found in the various local government areas in Niger state; they are only found in Magama LGA. While in Kebbi state they are found in Ngaski LGA.

3. Alternative Name is One of the Interesting Facts About the People of Lopa Ethnic Group

Lopa is the common name known to many other tribes including tribes that share borders with them. However, they can also be called other names such as Lupa people and also Lopawa people.

4. Language

Language or dialect is one striking factor that distinguishes one tribe from another tribe in Nigeria and some African countries. Countries are characterized by their language. You can tell for a fact that language is a distinguishing factor for people that are different in culture.

Lopa is a dialect recognized by the Lopawa people of Niger and Kebbi state. The Lopa language is made up of a pair of Kainji languages.

5. Clans

Lopa people are divided into two great divisions called clans. These two clans are a result of the different Kainji languages that made up the Lopa languages. They are the Rop (Ollop) and also Urcibar (Shuba). These people are also Lopa people who speak the Lopa language but speak Rop and Urcibar respectively.

6. Villages are Among the Interesting Facts About the People of Lopa Ethnic Group

Based on the languages spoken, these people find themselves in different villages. Cifamini, Gungun Tagwaye, Kwanga, Yumi, Bakari, and Ambu Shiri villages have people that speak the Shuba language. The location of these villages is in Magama LGA in Niger State.

Villages like Lopa town, Gafara, Raishe, Tungan Masu, Bakin Ruwa, Lapar, as well as Ana have speakers of the Ollop language. Those people reside in Ngaski LGA of Kebbi State.

7. Population

Lopa people tribe is one minor tribe in north central Nigeria. In terms of size, they are a very small population. The population estimate of the people is about 20,000.

8. Religion

Lopawa people are predominantly Muslims. Islamic religion has been the most dominating religion in the tribe with just a few Christians here and there.

9. Occupation is Another Interesting Facts About the People of Lopa Ethnic Group 

Unlike most tribes in Nigeria with farming as their main work, the Lopa people are mostly herders. They practice semi-nomadic herding. It has been their occupation for different generations.

10. Roles In Family

The roles of each family member in the Lopa society are similar to that of most Nigerian homes. The men take responsibility for providing for the family. However, in this case, since most of the men are herders who move their cattle from land to land they usually are not around for a time.

This results in the woman taking charge of the home in the absence of the man. Sometimes, the men don’t leave enough money so they adventure into petty trading so they can buy the basic needs of the home.

11. History

There is no proof of migration yet to justify their story of origin or settlement in their present locations. However, these people claim to be part of the Kanuri group.

12. Beliefs are Among the Interesting Facts About the People of Lopa Ethnic Group

Belief is an important ingredient of culture and ethnicity. However, it is good to note that since they are now largely Muslims they are beginning to adopt a Muslim lifestyle. This lifestyle includes involvement in celebrations, observing fasts as well as praying. Yet, some few still practice traditional beliefs where they depend on the spirit of their late ancestors.

13. Local Government Areas In Niger State

There are 21 local government areas in Niger State and they are;

  • Agaie
  • Agwara
  • Bida
  • Borgu
  • Bosso
  • Chanchaga
  • Edati
  • Gbako
  • Gurara
  • Katcha
  • Kontagora
  • Lapai
  • Lavun
  • Magama (Lopa people reside here).
  • Mariga
  • Mashegu
  • Mokwa
  • Munya
  • Paikoro
  • Rafi
  • Rijau
  • Shiroro
  • Suleja
  • Tafa
  • Wushishi

Conclusion

Overall, you have come to learn another minor but not the least ethnic group in Nigeria. They are also a part of the north-central regional ethnicity.

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