Mhiship traditions say their ancestors came from the eastern Sahel. One account describes a exodus from the Chad Basin (with Ngas, Tal, Tarok, etc.) into Kanem–Borno around 1100–1150 AD, then later down to Pankshin. Another lineage-story (cited by Banwar 1997) places the migration between the 15th and 18th centuries from Kanem-Bornu to modern Pankshin.
(Local scholars note the two clans narrate this differently, with Longmaar often claiming autochthony.) Regardless of exact timing, all accounts agree the Mhiship have long been settled on the Jos Plateau, among neighbors like Ngas, Tarok, Mupun (Mwaghavul), Jipal, and others.
Another oral account, as documented by Banwar (1997), places their migration from Kanem-Bornu to their present homeland in Pankshin, Plateau State, between the 15th and 18th centuries. Interestingly, the Mhiship people are traditionally divided into two main clans — Longmaar and Jiɓaam — which also represent dialect groups. These clans offer differing narratives about their origins:
The Longmaar people claim to be indigenous to their current location, believing they did not migrate from anywhere else. They regard themselves as the original inhabitants of the region. In contrast, the Jiɓaam clan believe they migrated from the Chad Basin to their current settlement in Nigeria sometime between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Yet another oral tradition suggests that both dialect groups — Longmaar and Jiɓaam — came from different locations. In this version, the Longmaar are said to have migrated from Jipari Kisa (Asa), while the Jiɓaam relocated from Mwaghvul territory to their present-day homeland. These varying accounts reflect the rich and complex heritage of the Mhiship people. While they differ in detail, all highlight a common desire to preserve identity, ancestry, and connection to land. We hope this summary will inspire further historical research and documentation, ensuring the legacy of the Mhiship people is recorded for future generations.
