Bada in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The Bada people (also known as the Badawa or Jarawan Kogi) primarily reside in the Kanam and Langtang North Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria, as well as parts of Bauchi State. They are part of the larger Jarawan linguistic cluster of the Benue-Congo family. Historically, the Bada were known as a riverine people, which is reflected in their alternative name "Jarawan Kogi" (River Jarawa). They have lived in the central Nigerian "Middle Belt" for centuries, maintaining a distinct identity through their language, Bada, despite the surrounding influence of more dominant ethnic groups like the Hausa and Fulani.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bada are predominantly an agrarian and fishing society. Their proximity to the river systems of the Plateau and Bauchi plains allows them to combine crop cultivation with seasonal fishing. They grow staples such as guinea corn, millet, and maize, while also producing rice in the marshier areas. Socially, the Bada are organized into family-based compounds and village units led by local chiefs. They have a rich tradition of oral history and music, which plays a central role in their communal ceremonies. While many Bada have become bilingual in Hausa for trade purposes, the Bada language remains the primary heartbeat of their domestic and cultural life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

About half of the Badas are Christian, though traditional religion is still very strong. Faith in the spirit world stands in the way of a pure faith in Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

There is a significant need for heart-language resources, such as oral Bible stories, audio Scripture, but there is no JESUS Film, in their language to effectively communicate the gospel. Socially, the Bada face the challenges typical of rural Plateau State: limited infrastructure, poor road access for transporting goods to market, and a lack of modern healthcare facilities. There is also a need for sustainable water management and agricultural support to help them adapt to the changing environmental conditions in the region.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Bada people to have the opportunity to encounter the message of Christ through heart-language media and personal relationships.
Pray for the small number of Bada believers, that they would be strengthened in their faith and be seen as a source of peace and blessing within their communities.
Pray for the development of Scripture resources in the Bada language, and for workers who are gifted in linguistic and oral storytelling.
Pray for the physical well-being of the Bada, specifically for improved access to clean water and medical clinics in their rural villages.
Pray for peace and stability in the border regions of Plateau and Bauchi States, allowing the Bada to live and farm in security.

Text Source:   Joshua Project