Kir in Nigeria

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

Introduction / History

The Kir people live in the central region of Nigeria. They are a small ethnic group, historically known for their agricultural lifestyle and close-knit community structure. Over time, they have experienced cultural influences from neighboring ethnic groups due to trade and intermarriage. Despite these influences, the Kir people maintain a distinct identity through their language and traditions.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kir people primarily engage in subsistence farming, growing crops such as millet, sorghum and yams. They live in small villages where extended families often reside in compounds. The community structure is hierarchical, with elders holding significant authority. Social life revolves around communal activities, and traditional festivals mark significant events in their agricultural calendar.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Kir people practice a blend of traditional African religions and Islam. They believe in a supreme deity and various spirits associated with nature and ancestors. Islamic practices have become increasingly prevalent, particularly among younger generations, although traditional rituals and beliefs continue to influence daily life. Religious leaders play a vital role in guiding both spiritual and community matters.


What Are Their Needs?

The Kir people face challenges related to healthcare, education and economic opportunities. Access to modern healthcare facilities is limited, and many rely on traditional medicine. Educational resources are scarce, particularly in remote villages, which hinders development. Economic opportunities are constrained by the reliance on subsistence farming, making them vulnerable to food insecurity during poor harvest seasons. Addressing these needs requires both community-based initiatives and external support to improve infrastructure and access to essential services.


Prayer Points

Pray the hearts of the Kir people would be stirred to hunger after God, to drink of living water.
Pray for family-based movements to Christ to soon transform Kir society, blessing them spiritually and economically.
Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of believers to give up their own rights and sacrifice their lives to see the Kir people blessed by the work of Jesus Christ, the only savior.


Scripture Prayers for the Kir in Nigeria.


References

Nigeria Population and Housing Census (2006). National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria.
The Ethnic Groups of Nigeria by N. A. F. Gaskiya (2010). University Press, Ibadan.
Religion and Society in Nigeria by A. O. Adeboye (2018). African Studies Rev


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Kir
People Name in Country Kir
Alternate Names Balar; Kirr; Larbawa
Population this Country 5,400
Population all Countries 5,400
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 12711
ROP3 Code 105034
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 Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Kir Bengbet and Kir Bajang’le villages.   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 Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Kir Bengbet and Kir Bajang’le villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Kir in Nigeria Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 2.00 %)
3.00 %
Ethnic Religions
10.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
87.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Kir-Balar (5,400 speakers)
Language Code kkr   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Kir-Balar (5,400 speakers)
Language Code kkr   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Kir-Balar

Primary Language:  Kir-Balar

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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