Gurmana in Nigeria

The Gurmana have only been reported in Nigeria
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Gurmana people, also known as Basa-Gurmana or Koromba, live primarily in Niger State, Nigeria, especially along the borders of Chanchaga and Rafi in the Kafin Gurmana area. They speak the Gurmana language, which is part of the Kainji language family. The Gurmana have a history of interaction and intermarriage with neighboring groups, including the Mossi people of Burkina Faso, which has influenced their language and culture. Their communities are rooted in rural villages, where traditional customs and family ties remain strong.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Gurmana people are mostly subsistence farmers, growing crops to feed their families and sometimes selling surplus at local markets. Daily life revolves around the rhythms of planting and harvest. Families are often extended, with several generations sharing responsibilities and living together. Meals are prepared from locally grown grains, vegetables, and sometimes fish or meat when available. Community life is vibrant, with neighbors supporting one another and gathering for important events. Festivals and celebrations, often tied to the agricultural calendar or major life milestones, feature music, dance, and storytelling that reinforce social bonds and cultural identity. Many young people are drawn to urban centers in search of better opportunities, but the heart of Gurmana life remains in the village.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gurmana people primarily follow animistic beliefs, honoring spirits and natural elements through rituals and ceremonies. Their worldview is shaped by a sense of the spiritual world's presence in daily life. In some areas, there is also a Muslim influence, and a small number of Christians are present. However, those who choose to follow Jesus may face social pressure or even persecution. Despite these challenges, the gospel continues to be shared, and there is hope that more Gurmana will come to know the mercy of Jesus Christ.


What Are Their Needs?

Access to quality healthcare and education is limited in Gurmana communities, and many adults and children are unable to read or write. Poverty is a persistent challenge, with few economic opportunities beyond farming. Clean water and improved infrastructure would greatly benefit families. Spiritually, there is a need for more gospel workers and for believers to grow in faith and become part of the global discipleship force.


Prayer Items

Pray for improved healthcare and education in Gurmana villages.
Ask God to provide economic opportunities and relief from poverty.
Pray for spiritual openness and protection for those who follow Jesus Christ.
Pray that soon Gurmana disciples will make more disciples.
Pray that Gurmana believers will be equipped and sent to share the gospel with other groups.


Scripture Prayers for the Gurmana in Nigeria.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurmana_language
https://peoplegroups.org/Explore/groupdetails.aspx-peid=14654


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Gurmana
People Name in Country Gurmana
Alternate Names
Population this Country 7,400
Population all Countries 7,400
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 12005
ROP3 Code 103588
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Niger state: Shiroro LGA, Gurmana town area.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Niger state: Shiroro LGA, Gurmana town area..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
10.00 %
Ethnic Religions
30.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
60.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Gurmana (7,400 speakers)
Language Code gvm   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Gurmana (7,400 speakers)
Language Code gvm   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Gurmana

Primary Language:  Gurmana

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2026  GoWestAfrica  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.