SUMMARY

The Birom (also Berom) are one of the main indigenous ethnic groups of the Jos Plateau in Plateau State, central Nigeria. They speak the Berom language. The Birom community has been involved in non-state conflicts with other ethnic communities in Nigeria.

The Birom have traditionally relied on farming for subsistence. Most Birom are Christians, although some adhere to traditional, animist beliefs. Like other indigenous groups in Plateau State, their customs have been affected by colonisation, urbanisation and the related influx of other groups, such as pastoralist Muslims - Fulani and Hausa - from northern Nigeria. The land historically inhabited by the Birom borders on those of the Anaguta and Afisare ethnic communities, with the three areas meeting in Jos town. The three groups are culturally similar and have often intermarried.

The Birom people have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.