Kanem, Koenoem in Nigeria

People Name:	Kanem, Koenoem
Country:	Nigeria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	3,700
World Population:	3,700
Primary Language:	Koenoem
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	35.00 %
Evangelicals:	5.67 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chadic
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Koenoem live in about 33 villages in Mikang Local Govern-ment Area in Plateau State, Nigeria. The paramount title holder of the people is called Long Koenoem. He is located in Lifidi, the central town. They estimated their population at 15,000.
They trace their origin from the old Kwararafa kingdom, where their ancestors began to migrate, through Maiduguri and Garram to their present location.The neighbours of the Koenoem are Tal, Piapung, Mupun, Ngas, a Kofyar dialect Mernyang, Tarok, Gomai, Jakattoe and Miship speakers.

They are farmers and hunters. They grow rice, yams, sorghum (guinea corn), millet, maize, beans, and groundnuts. Their main crops are: rice, millet and sorghum.

The Koenoem celebrate an annual festival called Moestai. The celebration begins with a hunting expedition. Then people from all their various locations come to Lifidi, to meet with the paramount chief. They showcase their various cultural heritages and special dances. The Npa (attire made from goat skin) is worn, and nkab, nguk and ngwenaan are special delicacies that are served at the occasion.