Korop, Ododop in Cameroon

People Name:	Korop, Ododop
Country:	Cameroon
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	11,000
World Population:	31,000
Primary Language:	Durop
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	74.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.50 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Benue
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

After migrating out of Central Africa, through Cameroon, and then experiencing disagreements with surrounding communities in Nigeria, a man named Kiong started his own community which came to be called the Okoyong. The Okoyong developed a language by the same name, a variant of Durop, which is still in use.

Where Are they Located?

They are found in the west of Southwest Region, Cameroon, and also in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The title of each village chief is called Obonn and the title of their paramount ruler is Kembengta Obonn who lives in Akpap (in Kiong area). The artifacts peculiar to the people are the munkumo (a local drum) and kasag (a local basket in which they put stones and play it to make sounds). The common festival they celebrate is the Efeng (a thanksgiving festival) which they celebrate after every seven years.

The Korop/Kiong are primarily farmers. Cassava is the major crop they cultivate alongside yam, okra, pepper, melon, maize, palm kernel and plantain. Some of them are also engaging in trading, civil service, etc. to earn a living.

They have primary and secondary schools and health centres. They also have markets in some of their villages. They have accessible roads, boreholes and some villages have electricity. Their major means of transportation are motorbike, vehicle and they also trek to nearby villages.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are mostly Christians, followed by the African Traditional Religionists (ATR) and lastly Muslims.

What Are Their Needs?

Among the Korop group, intercessions for peace, economic empowerment, discipleship, agriculture, pastoring, health center and schools are the expressed needs of the people. In the Kiong communities, discipleship, and economic empowerment will be needed.

Prayer Points

Pray for a desire for God's word in the language they understand best.
Pray for good discipleship amongst their church communities.
Pray for the written form to be developed, so the people can be literate in their native language.