Total population | |
---|---|
c. 5 million | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Nigeria | |
Languages | |
Gbagyi/Gwari | |
Religion | |
| |
Related ethnic groups | |
Nupe people, Yoruba, Igala, Ebira |
The Gbari or Gbagyi (plural - Agbari/Agbagyi)[1] are an ethnic group found predominantly in Central Nigeria with an estimated population of 12 million spread in four states, including Abuja, and located in thirty local government areas.[2] It is also the name of their language. 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[3] they prefer to be known as Gbagyi/Gbari. They live in the Niger, the Federal Capital Territory - Abuja, and Kaduna State.[4] They are also found in Nasarawa central Nigeria Area. Gbagyi/Gbari is one of the most populated ethnic groups in the middle belt and indigenous in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. This means Gbagyi people are the bonafide owners of the Nigerian capital city, Abuja.[5][6]