Labir (also Labɨr, Lábír, Láɓír, or Láɓɨ́r), or Jaku, is one of the Jarawan languages of Nigeria, spoken in Bauchi State. Jaku () is an exonym.
Background Labɨr is spoken in Alkaleri LGA (in 13 villages) and Bauchi LGA (in 8 villages), Bauchi State, Nigeria. There are 24 villages total according to the Labɨr.Blench, Roger. 2026. The Jarawan Bantu languages in Nigeria; what is new research telling us? 15 July 2026, Jos Linguistic Circle.
The villages are:Blench, Roger. 2025. An introduction to Jaku [jku, a barely documented Jarawan Bantu language of Central Nigeria]. Cambridge: Kay William Educational Foundation (KWEF).
Alkaleri LGA: Kyaabi Ryaŋga I Gyar I Kaciciya Dooka Kyau gani Fanti Gar Monna Bada koshi Badol Kyenda
Bauchi LGA: Kaŋyelo Ŋgikan Ŋgimanu Ɓajang Ɓalaŋsi Gyar II Ryaŋga II Kyenda Basa
Labɨr speakers are approximately 60% Muslim and 40% Christian. It is more commonly spoken by Christians, since Muslims tend to speak Hausa. Only about 10% of all ethnic Jaku people can speak the language.
Phonology Labɨr has three level tones, as well as rising and falling tones.
References