Jere in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The Jere people (also known as the Jerawa) primarily reside in the Pengana district of the Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State, Nigeria. They are part of a larger cluster of ethnic groups in the northern Plateau region often categorized under the "Jerawa" linguistic umbrella, though they maintain a distinct identity. Historically, the Jere occupied the hilly terrains of the Plateau, which served as a natural fortress against the expansionist jihads and slave raids of the 19th century. This history of geographic isolation allowed them to preserve their unique language and social customs, eventually moving toward the plains for agricultural expansion in more recent decades.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Jere are predominantly an agrarian society. They utilize the fertile, rocky soil of the Plateau to grow staples such as acha (hungry rice), millet, and sorghum. They are also known for their skill in terrace farming, a traditional technique used to manage the hilly landscape. Beyond farming, the Jere have a strong tradition of oral history and communal festivities that coincide with the agricultural calendar. Social life is organized around kinship and age-grade systems, which dictate community responsibilities and leadership roles. While Hausa is commonly used as a trade language in the region, the Jere language remains the primary vehicle for their cultural expression and domestic life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religious identity of the Jere is ethnic religion. Islam became influential in the region through long-standing interactions with Hausa and Fulani neighbors. However, traditional religious practices—often involving the veneration of ancestors and the recognition of spirits tied to specific geographic landmarks—continue to influence the community's worldview. A minority of the Jere identify as Christian. While many Jere are bilingual in Hausa, there is a significant lack of Scripture and Christian media specifically in the Jere language, making heart-language discipleship a challenge.

What Are Their Needs?

Spiritually, the Jere are considered partially reached. There is a profound need for the gospel to be shared in a way that is culturally sensitive to their context and available in their own language. The lack of a complete Jere Bible means that believers often rely on Hausa translations, which can feel like an "outside" religious influence. Socially, the Jere face the typical challenges of the rural Plateau: a lack of consistent clean water, limited access to modern healthcare, and the need for better educational infrastructure. Additionally, the region has faced periodic ethnic and land-use tensions, creating a significant need for peacebuilding and community reconciliation efforts.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Jere people to have the opportunity to hear the message of Christ in their own language and through culturally relevant means.
Pray for the small community of Jere believers, that they would be strengthened in their faith and be seen as pillars of peace and integrity within their villages.
Pray for the development of heart-language resources, including the translation of scripture and the production of oral storytelling tools for the Jere.
Pray for the physical needs of the community, specifically for improved medical facilities and sustainable agricultural support.
Pray for peace in Plateau State, that the Jere and their neighbors would live in harmony and that the region would be free from violence.

Text Source:   Joshua Project