The Numana report that they originated from the Zaria, Sokoto, and Katsina regions of northern Nigeria. They later migrated south to Kaduna State in search of farmland and game to hunt. The Numana are made up of four people groups, each with their own sense of separate identity. They are Numba, Aninka, Numana, and Ningye. The Ningye, however, have only minimal understanding of the other three dialects. Some of the village elders and leaders report that between 90 and 95% of the Numana, Ningye, and Anika are Christians. Another 2-5% are Muslim. The remainder follow African Traditional Religion or a mixture of traditional and Christian beliefs. However, the Numba leader interviewed reported that nearly all the Numba people are Muslim.
Hausa and English are the languages used for school instruction. There are no materials currently available for school instruction in the local language. Teachers have indicated that they would use these materials in the local language if they were available because it would be easier for the students to learn since it is the language they know best. Church services are also held in English and Hausa, and are rarely interpreted into the local language although they sometimes sing songs in their heart language. "Some [people] understand better than others but they all come to church," a pastor stated when asked if people understand the English and Hausa church services. Although most people speak some English and Hausa, most of the local leaders believe that it is important for the people to have the Scriptures in their own language, their heart language. When asked if the church would like to start a Bible translation project, one pastor eagerly said, "If there are those who would give themselves to do the work, of course the church leaders would support them!"
Scripture Prayers for the Numana, Sanga in Nigeria.
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