Birom (peuple)

The Berom (sometimes also spelt as Birom; exonyms: A̱kuut) is one of the largest autochthonous ethnic group in Plateau State, central Nigeria. Covering about four local government areas, which include Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi (Gwol) and Riyom. Berom people are also found in some southern Kaduna State local government areas like Fadan Karshe with Berom settlers tracing their origins to Za'ang (Zawan) a Berom district on the Jos Plateau. They emigrated during the British Colonial Government of Nigeria. A large number of this tribe, if not all are Christians(about 99% of the populace of the Berom people are estimated to be practicing Christians). Statistics also have it that a large number of the population of Plateau State is made up of Berom people. The Berom speak the Berom language, which belongs to the Plateau branch of Benue–Congo, a subfamily of the large Niger–Congo language family. It is not related to the Hausa language (which belongs to the Afro-Asiatic family) or other Afro-Asiatic languages of Plateau State, which are Chadic languages. The Berom people have a rich cultural heritage. They celebrate the Nzem Berom festival annually in March or April. Other festivals include Nzem Tou Chun (worongchun) and Wusal Berom. Its one of the major aborigine groups in Nigeria (Plateau State) that believes in the Judeo-Christian God (Dagwi). Some Berom festivals include: Mandyɛng, in March/April - harvest festival Tyǐ, in August - red ochre collection festival Badù, in March/April - harvest festival Nshok, in March/April - harvest festival Worong cun, in April/May - planting festival, celebrated after good rains Búná/Vwana, in August - fonio harvest festival Mado, in October/November - hunting festival celebrated for prosperity. Che people also take part. Behwol, in February/March - hunting festival celebrated for prosperity. Che, Boze, Anaguta, inand Izere peoples also take part.