Basa in Nigeria

The Basa have only been reported in Nigeria
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Basa people are believed to have originated in Egypt and migrated to West Africa. Today, many of them can be found in the North Central region of Nigeria. They have their own distinct language (Bassa) that is part of the Kainji family of languages. Their culture continues to involve annual festivals, traditional dances, and community ceremonies.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Basa are farmers, ranchers, or fishmen. Some are semi-nomadic, changing homes seasonally in search of water and grazing land for their animals, as well as fertile soil for farming. They reside in small villages in rural areas and tend to avoid urban settings.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Many of the Basa are considered "Christian," but only a small percentage are evangelical. The majority of the Basa also practice a variety of ethnic religions.


What Are Their Needs?

The Basa would benefit greatly from economic assistance and training, healthcare improvements, and clear biblical teaching.


Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to soften the hearts of the Bosa to putting all their faith in Jesus Christ.
Ask him to prepare them to receive the truth of God's word.
Pray for the gospel to be preached and demonstrated, and for the Holy Spirit to move through the church, bringing renewal and revival.
Pray that soon Bosa disciples will make more disciples, even among Nigerian Muslims.


Scripture Prayers for the Basa in Nigeria.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bassa_people_(Nigeria)#:~:text=The%20Bassa%20also%20called%20Basa%20is%20an,rites%20like%20in%20the%20Ugunu%20Cultural%20Festival.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bassa_Nge_people


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Basa
People Name in Country Basa
Alternate Names Abacha; Abatsa; Bassakomo
Population this Country 372,000
Population all Countries 372,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 14585
ROP3 Code 108428
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Kogi state: Bassa and Ankpa LGAs, confluence of Niger and Benue rivers; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa LGA; enclave on Nassarawa-Benue border; Benue state: Makurdi LGA.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Kogi state: Bassa and Ankpa LGAs, confluence of Niger and Benue rivers; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa LGA; enclave on Nassarawa-Benue border; Benue state: Makurdi LGA..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
25.00 %
Ethnic Religions
60.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
15.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Basa (372,000 speakers)
Language Code bzw   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Basa (372,000 speakers)
Language Code bzw   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Basa
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2026  Kerry Olson  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.