Higgi

Higgi is a tribe and language from Michika Local Government Area in Adamawa State of Nigeria. The language has 24 dialects with two major dialects of Aghummu and Kammwe. Although the people of the dialects are mixed, Aghummu are predominantly in Michika South and Michika West State Development Areas, and the latter in Michika North and Michika Central Development Areas. Minor dialects are in various localities across the Development Areas. A significant number of Higgis people live in other parts of Nigeria and beyond (diaspora). In cosmopolitan cities and towns in Michika Local Government Area, Higgis people live with members of other tribes.

The Higgi tribe has faced a lot of controversies after some elders from the Nkafa dialect predominantly EYN christians, decided to opt for a new name 'Kamwe'. The new name 'Kamwe' means mountain dweller or people from the mountains. This name has, since its inception been rejected by majority of the people in Michika as it is of Nkafa origin and can lead to marginalization of other 23 dialects of the Higgi tribe. Other dialects like Dakwa will translate 'mountain dwellers' as A'ghumo and it is same with the remaining dialects. Apart from this reason, the muslim community in Michika also rejected this modified name 'Kamwe' as it might sideline and marginalize the Muslims in Michika. This has been an issue of debate since 2005 when the name Kamwe began to surface.

Prominent individuals in Higgi tribe include

1. Late Abubakar Saleh Michika (The First Civilian Governor of Adamawa State) 2. Hon. Boni Haruna (Former Governor of Adamawa State) 3. Hon Dr Francis Zirra Bazza (Former Chairman and Philanthropist) 4. Sen. Binta Masi Garba 5. Hon. Zakariya Dauda Nyampa (Member, House of Rep) 6. His Lordship, Very Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza (Catholic Bishop, Yola Diocese)