Firan, Izarek in Nigeria

People Name:	Firan, Izarek
Country:	Nigeria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	5,600
World Population:	5,600
Primary Language:	Firan
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	25.00 %
Evangelicals:	3.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Benue
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Afiran are also called by the name of their main town: Kwakwi. They live in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. Their population is estimated to be 5000. Kwakwi Station is also considered to be part of the Afiran homeland.

They are part of the big Izere group in Jos-East of Plateau State, who reported to have migrated from Sokoto to a hill called Zirikazan (meaning old house in Firan) and on to their present location. Their neighbors are Berom and Iten.

They celebrate an annual festival called Surgul. Surgul showcases the cultural heritage of the Afiran. A special event during the festival is a donkey race, which involves men only. The participants blow the Marden (a traditional flute) as they race on their donkeys. Koruk, is a special costume made from animal skin, worn on the festive day. Beans (Kwon) and Kunu (Itari) are served as special delicacies.

Many Afiran are farmers. They grow millet, fonio (acha), yam, finger millet (tamba) and cocoyam. Fonio (acha) and finger millet (Tamba) are their major crop. A few Befiran are civil servants.