Duguri in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The Duguri claim to have come from Kukawa to Maiduguri centuries ago-hence their name, Duguri. From there, they moved to their present location in the rocks and hills of Yuli, now called Duguri. Through all the Fulani slave raids over the years, the Duguri remained strong and were never conquered by the Fulani or their Muslim religion. The Duguri live in both Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa districts of Bauchi state and in Kanam district of Plateau state.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Duguri are primarily agriculturists with millet, rice, and guinea corn being the staple crops. All farm work is done collectively; however, the women are given their own plots of land in which to grow crops. Each woman is free to use her produce as she sees fit. She will keep some for personal use, and a portion of the crop might be sold or traded in the local markets. The Duguri live in villages protected by walls or hedges. Huts are round, with conical thatched roofs and mud walls. Each village has a headman, who handles some village affairs. The head over all the Duguri, however, is the Raghan Duari and his council of elders. Other offices, which are more traditional and religious than political, are the offices of the Bang'ikan, and Raghan Warr. Men in both these offices are spiritual leaders and are sought to impart spiritual blessings or to settle arguments. The Duguri consider other groups inferior to themselves. Being a Duguri is the most important aspect of their identity; thus they tend to marry within their own group. Most Duguri marriages are arranged when the couple-to-be are infants but are not consummated until the groom is near age twenty-five and the bride, near age twenty. Before this time, however, the parents of the boy will continually bring guinea corn and beer to the girl's family. When the girl is seven to ten years old, she will move into the boy's compound, where the two will grow together until the boy builds his own house. When the house is completed, they set a date for the couple to begin living as husband and wife. When a child is born, it is named by the father on the seventh day after birth. At this time certain tools are given to the baby. A boy is given a bow and arrows, an ax, or a knife, symbolizing his responsibility as an adult to defend the community. A girl is given a broom, a grinding stone, and a calabash (a large, gourd-like fruit, the shell of which is dried and used for holding liquids), as symbols that she will become a responsible housewife. Many Duguri adults and most children are literate. They have schools in their communities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Because of Hausa and Fulani influence, one-quarter of the Duguri practice Islam; however, the majority still follow their traditional ethnic beliefs with or without the trappings of Islam. The Duguri traditional religion is called Warr. The people believe in both a supreme God and in good and evil spirits who receive their powers from that God. Spirits of the dead are personified in regular masquerades in the villages. Witchcraft is feared in Duguri society, and anyone found guilty of it is put to death. Many also believe in Djinms, which are tiny well-clothed beings who live in water and trees, can cause harm and death to people. The Djinms are thought to walk on the roads at midday; thus, no wise Duguri will travel then.

What Are Their Needs?

The Duguri need the chance to put their faith in the King of kings and Lord of lords who is sovereign over all. Other spirits will bring them harm.

Prayer Points

Pray for Duguri elders to welcome Christ's ambassadors into their families and communities. Pray that the Lord will show them the way of humility before the sovereign Lord. Pray for a Holy Spirit empowered movement to Christ among the Duguri people in Nigeria. Pray for the Lord to thrust out his appointed and anointed workers to go to the Duguri people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project