People
Who they are
The Bate live mainly in Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria, and also in northern Cameroon. They are also known as Bata, Batta and Gbwata. Their language, Bata, is a Chadic language in the Afro-Asiatic family.
In Nigeria, they are a branch of the Bwatiye people and are very close to the Bachama. Their traditional authority is the king, called Hama Bata. In Cameroon, Bate communities are located near the Benue River and the border with Nigeria.
Where they live
2
Countries
368K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Nigeria Partially reached
|
95.3%
|
344.000 |
Cameroon Partially reached
|
4.7%
|
17.000 |
How they live
Most Bate are fishers or farmers. For trade, in addition to Bata, they use Fulfulde, a regional trade language, and often Hausa.
What they believe
Among the Bate there are Muslims, Christians and followers of traditional religions. In Cameroon, most are Sunni Muslims, and some groups still practice rituals that predate Islam. In Nigeria, the Bate also continue to practice traditional rituals and ceremonies.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Bata
Translation started
- Translation started Current stage
- 2 Portions Still ahead
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Not available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)16.9%
Evangelicals5.1%
Needs
Translation of the Bible into Bata has begun, but it is not yet complete. Bate Christians need these Scriptures in their own language and biblical teaching to grow in faith and support others.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the livelihoods of Bate families who work in fishing and farming.
Pray for the continued work of translating the Bible into Bata.
Pray for Bate Christians in Nigeria and Cameroon to grow in their knowledge of Jesus.
Pray for Bate churches to train people who can teach the Bible in their language.
Pray for respect and peace in relationships between Bate families of different religions.
Pray for Bate
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar