MAIDUGURI: Borno’s heritage stretches back to the great Kanem‑Bornu Empire, which emerged near Lake Chad in the 9th century and grew into a historic Islamic power following the adoption of Islam by local kings around the 11th century
Christianity arrived much later, in the early 20th century, when missionary groups such as the Sudan Interior Mission, Church of the Brethren, and Anglican CMS began outreach among ethnic minorities in southern Borno (e.g. Babur/Bura, Marghi, Chibok, Kanakuru, Higgi)
These missionaries established schools, hospitals, and churches in towns like Biu, Chibok, Gwoza, and Maiduguri, laying the foundation for enduring Christian communities even amid Islamic dominance
Despite enduring oppression from church burnings to displacement during Boko Haram insurgency,Christian communities in southern Borno and the Maiduguri metropolitan area have remained resilient and significant
Indigenous Christian Communities of Southern Borno
1. Babur/Bura (Pabir)
Location: Biu, Shani, Hawul, Kwaya‑Kusar LGAs
Language: Bura‑Pabir (Afro‑Asiatic, Chadic family), sometimes also Hausa, Marghi, or Chibok
Religion: Approximately 20% Christian, 78% Muslim
Occupation: Farming, pottery, cattle herding
Christian presence: A moderate yet visible enclave centered in Biu town and nearby villages.
2. Marghi
Location: Askira/Uba, Damboa, Gwoza LGAs
Language: Marghi (often bilingual with Hausa or Kanuri)
Religion: Mixed—strong Christian presence in southern areas
Occupation: Farming (maize, millet), trade, crafts
Notable Christian: Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir—PhD holder and former House of Representatives member for Gwoza–Chibok–Damboa; advocate for women and Boko Haram survivor
3. Chibok (Kibaku)
Location: Chibok LGA
Language: Kibaku
Religion: Predominantly Christian
Occupation: Crop farming, small‑scale trading
Community note: The 2014 abduction of ~276 schoolgirls brought global attention to this majority-Christian community strong local networks have helped it remain resilient
4. Kanakuru
Location: Biu LGA
Language: Kanakuru (also called Dera)
Religion: Christian majority
Occupation: Farming, artisanal crafts, small business
Christian presence: Deep-rooted mission heritage and cohesive community structures.
5. Kamwe (Higgi)
Location: Southern fringes of Gwoza and Askira/Uba LGAs
Language: Higgi dialects (e.g. Nkafa)
Religion: Majority Christian
Occupation: Farming, fishing, cross-border trading
Presence: Indigenous Christian identity with strong cultural cohesion.
6. Kanuri & Shuwa Arabs (Northern & Central Borno)
Location: Maiduguri, Monguno, Dikwa, and other central/northern areas
Languages: Kanuri; Shuwa Arabic
Religion: Predominantly Muslim (over 90%)
Occupation: Farming, trade, civil service, pastoralism
Christian presence: Minimal—mostly settlers or IDPs rather than indigenous communities Notable Christian Leaders from Borno
Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi (CFR): Hailing from Lassa in Borno, she became the first woman from North‑East Nigeria to serve on the Supreme Court. She is also a committed educator and advocate for women’s rights.
Bishop Naga Williams Mohammed: Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State; led church rebuilding efforts after insurgent attacks and worked to maintain Christian–Muslim harmony
Dr. Zannah Bukar Mustapha: A lawyer‑turned‑educator who founded free schools for orphans in Maiduguri—nominated for the 2017 Nansen Refugee Award for his humanitarian service to displaced children across faiths
Ethnic Group Language Christian Share Common Occupations Christian Community
Babur/Bura Bura‑Pabir ~20% Farming, pottery, herding Moderate
Marghi Marghi Mixed Farming, trade, crafts Significant
Chibok (Kibaku) Kibaku Majority Farming, trading High
Kanakuru Kanakuru (Dera) Majority Farming, crafts, trading High
Kamwe (Higgi) Nkafa & dialects Majority Farming, fishing, trade High
Kanuri Kanuri, Hausa <5% Farming, trade, civil service Low
Shuwa Arabs Shuwa Arabic <1% Trade, herding None
Christianity in Borno State emerged during the early 1900s through missionary outreach in southern regions, notably among ethnic groups excluded from the Islamic core of the Kanem-Bornu Empire. Today, indigenous Christian communities thrive within the Babur/Bura, Marghi, Chibok, Kanakuru, and Kamwe ethnic groups, each preserving distinct languages, livelihoods, and faith-based identities.
In contrast, the state’s Muslim majority—primarily Kanuri and Shuwa Arabs—dominates the central and northern areas, with Christians largely limited to urban migrants or internally displaced communities. Despite years of extreme hardship, these southern Christian communities continue to endure, led by influential figures committed to justice, peace, and interfaith dialogue.
Let me know if you’d like a focus on denominational histories, specific Local Government Areas, or recent religious-led reconciliation efforts!
