Utugwang in Nigeria

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

Introduction / History

Originating from Uturu in Benue State, the Utugwang [afe] people traveled south and now reside in Obudu local government area of Cross River State, Nigeria. There are four different dialects in this area: Utugwang, Mgbenege, Okworogung, and Ukwortung. Utugwang, means "Let's come together," and is the name used by the people themselves to identify this whole group.

Many members of the community are civil servants or small business owners. Some make baskets and woven mats, but most are farmers. The major crops of this area include yams, groundnuts, cassava, and rice.

Although there are villages with a high percentage of Christians, many Utugwang people fear witchcraft and evil spirits. Some people protect themselves by consulting oracles in the forest and using a talisman while others go to the church for prayer. One pastor boldly stated, "God is the only Protector. We depend on God for our protection." Between 65 and 90 state that they are Christians. Most others tend to follow traditional religious practices. For the most part, church attendance is very high and heart response to the Gospel is growing gradually.

Their language has no written form which means that there is no Bible or even portions of Scripture available for them to read in their heart language. No videos, recordings or films are in existence either. A language development project in Utugwang would give these people access to the Word of God in the language they understand best.

Multilingualism amongst the Utugwang people is high. The language of instruction is English, however the vernacular is used in the lower primary classes. The Utugwang speak Nigerian Pidgin English, Standard English, and the vernacular, but most feel strongly that their own language is superior to English and Pidgin. Although there are many churches and local pastors, the people express their desire for outside assistance from cross-cultural missionaries. They would like support with Bible translation, seminary training, Bible teaching, evangelism as well as help with medical care and training.


Prayer Points

Pray for a Bible translation project in the language they understand best.
Pray for unity among church members and the salvation of souls.
Pray that the people would be free of the fear of witchcraft and evil spirits.
Pray for help meeting their financial needs in the various church building projects in process.
Pray that the people would continue to respond to the Gospel.


Scripture Prayers for the Utugwang, East Mbube in Nigeria.


Profile Source:   Anonymous  

People Name General Utugwang
People Name in Country Utugwang, East Mbube
Natural Name Utugwang
Alternate Names East Mbube
Population this Country 94,000
Population all Countries 94,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 4
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 15752
ROP3 Code 110466
ROP25 Code 308514
ROP25 Name Utugwang
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 6  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Cross River state: Obudu, Ogoja, and Bekwarra LGAs; Benue state: Vandeika LGA.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Nigeria
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 6  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Cross River state: Obudu, Ogoja, and Bekwarra LGAs; Benue state: Vandeika LGA..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 10.00 %)
90.00 %
Ethnic Religions
10.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike (94,000 speakers)
Language Code afe   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike (94,000 speakers)
Language Code afe   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike

Primary Language:  Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (2017-2018)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
General Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Anonymous  
Profile Source Anonymous 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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