People group profile · PG012302
The Bariba of Benin
The Bariba of Benin, numbering about 1,270,000 people, are No Longer Unreached. They are a West African people of northeastern Benin and northwestern Nigeria who share the Bariba language and a common heritage linked to the historic Borgu kingdoms, with cultural traditions rooted in agriculture, trade, and horsemanship.
They are an indigenous people in the Gur people cluster of the Sub-Saharan African Peoples. Their primary religion is Folk Islam, and they primarily speak Baatonum.
Fast facts
- Country
- Benin
- Population
- 1,270,000
- Affinity group
- Sub-Saharan African Peoples
- People cluster
- Gur
- Primary language
- Baatonum (bba)
- Primary religion
- Folk Islam
- Strategic Progress Index
- No Longer Unreached
- Evangelical
- 2% or Greater but Less than 5%
- GSEC
- 2% or Greater but Less than 5% Evangelical
- Lostness priority
- Minimally Reached People Group
- Region
- Western Africa, Africa
Where they live
Gospel status
The Bariba are No Longer Unreached, which means 2% or more are evangelical Christians. In GSEC terms, this people group is greater than or equal to 2% evangelical.
- Congregations exist Yes
- Church planting in the last two years No Churches Planted
Next steps for the Bariba
- Pray for the churches among this group to grow in faithfulness and maturity
- Equip believers to reach the unreached peoples around them
- Send out laborers from this people to the nations
Primary religion
Folk Islam · Islam
65% adherents
Primary language
Baatonum · Atlantic-Congo family
95% speak Baatonum
Gospel resources in Baatonum
- Bible available, published 1996
- JESUS Film available
- Radio programs available
- Gospel recordings available
- Audio resources available
- Bible stories not available
Films
Bibles
- 1996 Bible Society of Benin · video, audio, text
Find more at the JESUS Film Project, Bible.com and Faith Comes by Hearing.
Pray for the Bariba
- 2 Timothy 2:2. Pray for faithful local leaders who will teach others, so that the church multiplies.
- Ephesians 5:8. Pray that those walking in darkness will turn to the light and live as children of light.
- Romans 10:14–15. Ask God to send messengers, so that people can hear, believe and call on the name of the Lord.
- Matthew 9:37–38. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field.
Bariba in other countries
The same people (ROP3 100685) is reported in 3 other countries.
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