Introduction / History

Koro Nulu, also known as Koro Ija, is a Plateau language of Nigeria, one of several languages which go by the ethnic name Koro. It is not closely related to other languages. The people interviewed in the village of Ija said that they call themselves and their language Koro Nulu. However, they are frequently called Ija Koro or Koro Ija.

The speakers of Koro Nulu are reported to be found in four settlements: Ija Koro, Kabwei, Dogon Kurmi, and Shere, in the Tafa LGA of Niger state, Nigeria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The primary occupation among the Koro Nulu is farming. With limited economic opportunities in their rural locations, many have moved in recent years for economic reasons or for marriage.

All Koro Nulu villages were reported to have schools and almost all their children were reported to attend school. Formal education became available in the area as early as 1976. Literacy materials available in these communities include the Bible, Koran, dictionaries and several educational textbooks in English, Hausa and Arabic languages.

The Koro Nulu prefer to intermarry with Gwandara and Gwari speakers rather than other groups because they believe their cultures are more similar. In these intercultural marriages, they speak Hausa with their partners until the wife learns Koro Nulu. She may learn the language along with the children, and the wives may also speak their own language to their children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Koro Nulu were already all Muslims when they first arrived in the area in the late 18th century. It is estimated that 100 percent of the Koro Nulu are Muslim today.

What Are Their Needs?

The Koro Nulu reported positive attitudes towards their language and expressed a desire for language development. Their primary interest in language development seems to be for the preservation of the language, to help the youth remember their language and to be able to teach it to their children. While there is currently a level of sustainable language vitality, there could easily be a shift towards a preference for greater use of Hausa or English among the youth.

Prayer Items

Pray for dreams and visions of the Risen Christ.
Pray for God’s blessing on their harvests as a testimony of his goodness and power.
Pray for the protection of their language.

Scripture Prayers for the Koro Nulu in Nigeria.