Bura people call themselves Bura or Bura-Pabǝr, while the hausas call them Babur or Baburawa are part of the ethnic groups in Nigeria. They are located in Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo, from Ngulde in Askira/Uba and parts of Damboa LGA of Borno State and from Garkida in GombiLGA, from Barata in Shelleng LGA of Adamawa State. Bura-Pabir People are also found in Bularafa in Gulani LGA and Maza in Gujba LGA of Yobe State as well as on the fringes of Gombe State in Yamaltu Deba LGA (Dadin Kowa Area).
Origin The origin of Bura-Pabir people can be traced back to the migrants from Yemen through Sudan and the Chad Basin to the present Bura-Pabir location, Northeastern part of Nigeria. However, in the mid-16th century Yamta-ra-Wala defeated the Bura people and established Biu kingdom. Due to the intermarriage between Yamta Wala's people and the Bura people, a new breed of ethnic group called Bura-Pabir or Babur (in Hausa) was created and till today, Bura and Pabir' culture are very similar to the extent that they are regarded as one.
Traditional ruler The traditional ruler of Bura-Pabir people is locally called Kuthli or Kuhyi, and now an emir since the kingdom became an emirate. Since they are the major occupants of Biu Kingdom, their current ruler is Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II. He assumed office on September 21, 2020. Emir of Biu Kingdom.
Marriage culture Bura people have a distinct marriage system. When a girl child is born, the interested suitor signify his intention by presenting a leafy branch of tree into the mother's hut. If accepted, it is expected of him to keep on bringing gifts for the family, assisting the father in law with his farm and other things till the child become of age. Then, he has the right to employ the help of his friend to capture the wife and send her to his house before the bride price and other traditional items are provided.
Language Bura people are one of the speakers of Afro-Asiatic language of the Chadic group. They speak Bura Language and also have affinity with Hausa and Kanuri, Chibok.
Religion The Bura people are animists before the advent of Islam and Christianity in the 1920s. Their gods were represented by water, Iron, Stones, Forests etc. God is called Hyel or Hyel-mtaku (God my owner) and Haptu is a personal god who takes cares of the people.
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