Lagwan, Afade in Cameroon

Lagwan, Afade
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GoWestAfrica  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  Anonymous
People Name: Lagwan, Afade
Country: Cameroon
10/40 Window: No
Population: 8,000
World Population: 52,000
Primary Language: Afade
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 4.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.60 %
Scripture: Translation Needed
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Chadic
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Afade people live in the northern part of Cameroon, in an area a little south of Lake Chad. Their language area extends into Nigeria to the west. Linguistically, Afade is one of eight Kotoko languages, and Afade speakers refer to themselves ethnically as Kotoko. A Latin script writing system has been developed for Afade but it is not currently in use.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditional rulers in the area are called sultans. Rulers of smaller regions are called blamas. The town of Afade is the hub of the language area with a few surrounding villages. Several Afade speakers also live in the larger cities of Cameroon, Nigeria, and Chad.
The Kotoko are traditionally fishermen and farmers, making use of the seasonal rivers that flow in the area to irrigate their fields. It can be very difficult to access the language area during rainy season (June-September).

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam dominates as the primary religion, with a good deal of syncretism with animism. It is not known if there are any Afade Christians. At this point, because of the activity of the Boko Haram, all missionaries have been asked to leave the north of Cameroon. There was a Nigerian missionary reaching out to the Kotoko but he was killed by the Boko Haram in 2011.

What Are Their Needs?

The Afade Kotoko people need to put their faith in Jesus Christ so they can enjoy life to the full. As it stands, they put their faith in dark spirits for their blessings.

Prayer Points

Pray for an abundant harvest of fish and grain for the Afade Kotoko people as proof of God's power and love.
Pray for a movement to Christ among them that will bless their community in every way.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Holy Spirit empowered workers among the Afade Kotoko in Nigeria.
Pray for Afade leaders to embrace the ways of Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project