Mambila, Nigeria in Nigeria
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| People Name: | Mambila, Nigeria |
| Country: | Nigeria |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 211,000 |
| World Population: | 211,000 |
| Primary Language: | Mambila, Nigeria |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 12.50 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Benue |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Mambila (also called Mambilla) are a people who live on Nigeria’s side of the Nigerian-Cameroon border. Their ancestors moved to their present location thousands of years ago.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Living in a wet and fertile land, the Mambila are farmers. They raise goats, chickens and cattle. Mambila farmers grow grains, bananas, yams, peanuts, and peppers. Men and women share the same farming duties, including clearing the land, planting and harvesting. Only the men weave cotton and work as blacksmiths or woodworkers. Their wood figurines are usually for religious and ritualistic purposes. Fathers teach their trade to their sons, but if he has no son, he teaches his daughter. Women take care of the children and make baskets. Children don’t work until they are 12.
Like many of their near neighbors, the Mambila are matrilineal, meaning the line of descent is through the wife’s family. Children “belong” to her family.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Some Mambila are Muslim while others are Christian, usually Baptist. No matter which major religion they adhere to, the Mambila also practice traditional religion. These practices involve witchcraft, divination and rituals. It is possible that they also worship their ancestors like many other African peoples.
What Are Their Needs?
The Mambila people need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ rather than the spirit world or the Islamic religious system.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to lead Mambila people to freeing faith in the only savior.
Pray for Mambila disciples to make more disciples, blessing entire families and communities.
Pray for a hunger for God’s truth and righteousness.