Ungwai in Nigeria

People Name:	Ungwai
Country:	Nigeria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	38,000
World Population:	38,000
Primary Language:	Cahungwarya
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	15.00 %
Evangelicals:	5.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Benue
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Ungwai are a small ethnolinguistic people of north-central Nigeria who speak Hungworo (also called Cahungwarya or Ngwe). Their ancestors settled around the Tegina–Kagara region, forming clan-based communities with strong oral traditions and identity shaped by farming and local leadership.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Ungwai families practice subsistence farming, growing grains, yams, and vegetables, and raising small livestock. Extended families live close together, sharing labor, childcare, and resources. Seasonal festivals mark planting and harvest cycles, featuring music, dance, and communal meals. Daily food commonly includes millet or maize porridge, soups with vegetables, and occasional meat.

In Nigeria, Christians suffer significant and severe persecution – to such a degree that Nigeria has been the most violent place in the world for followers of Jesus for several years. In northern Nigeria, 12 states have implemented Islamic law, creating a system where Christians live as second-class citizens, and conversion from Islam can be severely punished.

Violent Islamic militant groups also operate across northern Nigeria and into the country's central region. Some of these groups – including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an offshoot of Islamic State – target followers of Jesus and any properties owned by Christians. Other Christians, particularly farmers in Nigeria's Middle Belt, are confronted by Islamic militants among the Fulani people, who disproportionately attack Christian communities with horrific violence.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority follow Islam, often blended with traditional practices. There are few Ungwai evangelicals, but a significant number who identify as Christians. Many communities have limited access to Scripture and Christian teaching in their heart language.

What Are Their Needs?

Access to education, clean water, healthcare, and stable livelihoods is limited, increasing vulnerability to poverty and disease. Gospel resources in Hungworo are scarce, and few trained local believers are available to disciple new Christians and lead churches. The Ungwai need spiritual renewal and commitment to biblical faith.

Prayer Points

Pray asking God to reveal Christ clearly to the Ungwai and to establish strong, reproducing churches among them that will extend to other ethnic groups.
Pray for scripture translation, audio resources, and compassionate medical and development work.
Pray for peace, provision, and openness to the gospel in every village.
Pray for God's hand of protection to be upon the persecuted Christians.