People
Who they are
The Voro are a small people of northeastern Nigeria, in Adamawa State. They live in the Guyuk and Song local government areas, in Waltande and the surrounding villages, south of the Dumne road, among many other groups of different languages.
They speak Voro, a language of the Yungur group, very close to the Bena dialects of the Waltande area. The Voro themselves, however, say their language is distinct from Yungur. In some records the language also appears as Woro. It is this language that holds the people’s identity and sets them apart from their neighbors.
Little detailed information has been recorded about them, and over time part of the community may have blended into larger peoples of the region. Precisely because they are so little known, they deserve to be remembered: every people, even the smallest and least documented, is seen and loved by God.
History and origin
The Voro language belongs to the Yungur group of northeastern Nigeria, and this kinship points to shared roots with the neighboring peoples of Waltande and its surroundings. Researchers consider it very close to Bena, although the Voro are careful to distinguish their own language.
Over time the people have lived closely alongside larger communities, and part of them may have been absorbed into those groups. Few documents tell their story, so much of this memory remains little known outside the families themselves.
Where they live
1
Country
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Nigeria Minimally reached
|
0%
|
How they live
Little has been published about the daily life of the Voro, so it must be described with humility. They are known to live in Waltande and neighboring villages, in the Guyuk and Song areas of rural Adamawa, sharing the land with many communities of other languages.
Living among larger groups usually means moving between more than one language and culture. This shared life is a richness, but it also challenges the passing of Voro from parents to children, and the care of the language and of the people’s memory depends on each generation. May the details of the lives of Voro families come to be known and respected, without stereotypes.
What they believe
The great majority of the Voro follow Islam. For many families, faith is part of community life and of belonging to the group.
There is a small Christian presence among them, still fragile and little documented. Respecting this reality means recognizing the value faith holds for the Voro while also longing for each person to be able to know Jesus freely and clearly, in their own language. As with any people, each person’s faith is deeper and more varied than a label can express, which is why it is wise to listen before speaking.
Language and the Bible
Bible translation into Voro has begun, but the road is still long and there is no complete Scripture in the language. Audio recordings exist in the people’s language, a precious resource for those who would rather listen than read. May the spoken Word reach the villages, and may the translation move forward until every Voro can hear and read the good news in their own language, the language of the heart.
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.
Voro
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)10%
Evangelicals1%
Barriers to the gospel
Where Islam is the faith of the great majority, following Jesus can mean distance from family and neighbors. Added to this, the people are small and little documented: few outsiders know their language, and Christian resources in Voro are still scarce. There is also the risk that the community will be absorbed into larger groups, making it harder to reach them as a distinct people.
Needs
The Voro need, above all, to be known and remembered. Materials in their own language are lacking, whether Scripture, audio or Bible stories, and a strong Christian community is needed to welcome and disciple them.
There is also a need to preserve the language and identity, so that new generations grow up knowing who they are. May the hope of the gospel reach them at the heart of their culture, with respect and with love.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
That God would have mercy on the Voro and make his name known among them.
For the continued translation of the Bible into Voro until it is completed.
That the audio Bible recordings would reach families in Waltande and the neighboring villages.
For the few who already believe in Jesus, that they would have courage, protection and fellowship.
For workers who will learn the language and love the people with respect and patience.
For peace and security for the communities of Guyuk and Song.
For a healthy church to emerge among the Voro, in their own language.
Pray for Voro
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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