People
Where the gospel has not yet reached this people
16K people from this group live in countries where they remain unreached or minimally reached:
-
Cameroon Minimally reached
16.000 people
Who they are
The Mumuye live mainly in northeastern Nigeria, in the hills and plains of Taraba State, south of the Benue River. Known internationally for their rich artistic tradition, including wooden sculptures and expressive ritual figures, they maintain a deep connection to their ancestral land and their community’s oral traditions.
Their mother tongue, Mumuye, encompasses a wide variety of dialects spoken in different villages, uniting a people who value community life, solidarity among neighbors, and cultural continuity amid the changes taking place in their country.
Where they live
2
Countries
929K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Nigeria Partially reached
|
98.2%
|
895.000 |
|
Cameroon Minimally reached
|
1.8%
|
16.000 |
How they live
Subsistence farming is central to Mumuye daily life, with the cultivation of yams, corn, sorghum, and peanuts. Families often work together in the fields and organize shared farming tasks. Local leadership is exercised by councils of elders and lineage guardians, who maintain social order and resolve family conflicts with respect for community customs.
What they believe
Traditional religions remain influential in daily life, with ancestor worship and reverence for guardian spirits associated with the fertility of the land and rainfall. Masks and sacred figures serve a protective role. Although many have embraced the Christian faith, syncretic practices still occur during illness or family crises.
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.
Mumuye
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)29%
Evangelicals6%
Needs
Rural Mumuye communities face shortages of clean drinking water, distant basic health clinics, and poor roads that make it difficult to transport harvests to market. Spiritually, there is a great need for firm discipleship so that younger generations can overcome fear of spirits and find lasting freedom in Christ.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo fortalecimento e discipulado dos cristãos mumuyes, para que vivam com convicção e amor.
Por paz e segurança nas comunidades do estado de Taraba diante de tensões locais.
Pelo acesso contínuo e ampla compreensão das Escrituras na língua materna mumuye.
Por líderes de aldeias e anciãos, para que conheçam a graça e a verdade de Cristo.
Por melhorias concretas na educação e na infraestrutura de saúde nos vilarejos mais isolados.
Pray for Mumuye
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar