Bassa people (Nigeria)

The Bassa also called Basa is an ethnic group primarily found in the North Central Nigeria. The Bassa people speak the Bassa language, which belongs to the Kainji family under the sub-phylum Western-Kainji, also referred to as Rubassa. Bassa people have a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on traditional practices such as masquerade festivals like the Ikɛ masquerade and initiation rites like in the Ugunu Cultural Festival.

The Bassa people are a discrete ethnic group in Nigeria, specifically referring to the Bassa-speaking people, and should not be confused with the Bassa Nge, who have their origins traced to the Nupe people.

The Bassa speaking people of Nigeria have a vivid history of great age, with evidence implying they have occupied the Nok region for thousands of years. Their historical roots date back to around 1530 BCE, given their strong ties to the Nok Culture, a civilization known for its terracotta sculptures and artifacts. This connection to the Nok Culture indicates that the Bassa people have had a physical presence in the region.

Bassa people are primarily found in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), specifically in Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and Municipal areas. Gwagwalada serves as their traditional headquarters. Additionally, Bassa communities can be found in various states, including: Kogi in Bassa LGA, Kogi, Dekina, Ankpa, Koto, Lokoja Local Government Areas Niger in Kontagora, Shiroro, Mashegu, Gurara, Wushishi, Rafi, Minna, Lapai, Suleja Local Government Areas Nasarawa in Kokona, Toto, Karu, Keffi, Doma, and Nasarawa Local Government Areas Benue in Apa-Agatu and Makurdi and Kwara states.

The population of the Bassa people is estimated at 300,000 as of 2020. However, some sources suggest that this figure may be highly disputed, with estimates suggesting a population triple this size or more.

The major occupation of the Bassa people is farming. This has led to their spread across various regions of the country, including Oyo, Ekiti, and Edo.

Some popular Bassa towns include Gwagwalada, Toto, Tawari Ugya, Gbameni Oguma, Shiroro, Ashara, Kundu, Turuku, Katakpa, Kassanki, Wukara, Gbashikere, Juwa, Rubochi (Urubochi), Keyenfu (Keyenhu), Zwere, Wusa, Sardauna Gbemgbem, Tekpese, Udwa, Kpakwu Bassa, Kongbo, Giri, Sauka, Rukubi, Bassa (Abuja airport road), Oweito (I'hwetu), Dausu, O'nuku), Robomi (Urubomi), I'kende.