People
Who they are
The Idoma live mainly in the western part of Benue State in Nigeria, with communities also in Kogi, Nasarawa, Cross River and Enugu. Their traditions trace their origins to Apa, in the former kingdom of Kwararafa, from which groups of Idoma migrated in waves to the lower Benue River valley beginning in the sixteenth century. Before the colonial period, communities governed themselves in a decentralized way, without a single center of power. Today, the Eje Alekwu festival helps preserve the history of the people, and churches and traditional religious practices coexist among the Idoma.
Where they live
1
Country
166K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Nigeria Partially reached
|
100%
|
162.000 |
How they live
Farming has long been the main occupation of the Idoma, supplemented by fishing and hunting. They also work with iron and wood, make baskets and weave. At the Eje Alekwu festival, families and communities gather for music, dancing and masked performances, with the timing and rituals varying from one community to another.
What they believe
In traditional religion, Owoicho is the creator God, and the alekwu are ancestral spirits, seen as a link between the living and the dead. A 2021 study reports that many churches, both historic and Pentecostal, now stand on the sites of former shrines, and that Christianity has changed customs surrounding funerals, the Eje Alekwu festival and widowhood. The same study notes that many Idoma still believe in the alekwu.
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.
Idoma
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)45%
Evangelicals4%
Needs
For Idoma Christians, the question is how to follow Jesus without rejecting their culture. The 2021 study discusses funerals, the Eje Alekwu festival, widowhood, the naming of children and marriage, and recommends that Christians and followers of traditional religion live together in peace. Churches need well-trained leaders and biblical teaching to help families navigate these situations.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the training of Idoma leaders who will teach the Scriptures clearly in churches.
Pray for the Bible in Idoma to be used in teaching children and adults.
Pray for all Idoma Christians who face questions about marriage and funeral customs.
Pray for respectful relationships between Christian families and followers of traditional religion.
Pray that all historic and Pentecostal churches among the Idoma will care well for families.
Pray for Idoma
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar