Abong in Nigeria

Introduction / History

Although a tiny population in the midst of much larger people groups, the Abong people retain their much of their culture including their traditional language (known as Abon).

The Abong people live on Nigeria’s southeastern border with Cameroon. Most live in the town of Abong. Some are across the border in Cameroon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The major occupation is agriculture. They grow maize, rice, sorghum, millet, and cassava. Their cash crops include coffee, tea, ground nuts, cotton, and yams. They also herd cattle, sheep, and goats. Some breed rabbits and pigs. Communities along rivers fish all year round. Other make a living through pottery, cloth-weaving, dyeing, mat-making, carving, embroidery and blacksmithing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Abong speaker are Christians. Local denominations tend to focus more on social issues rather than personal salvation.

What Are Their Needs?

Abong face the daily struggle of a farming community, vulnerable to the conditions that affect their harvests. They need wisdom in choosing between alternative crops and making the most of opportunities to educate their children so that the community can diversify their sources of income.

Surrounded by many larger people groups, it is difficult for the Abong to continue to pass on their traditions and language to their children. Community leaders may be interested in language development to preserve their language. Workshops are available that that would expose participants to language vitality and potential short-term development projects.

As practicing Christians, the Abong need God’s Word in a language that they can understand. How can they grow in their knowledge of God and in their faith without being nourished by God’s promises and by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ?

Prayer Points

Pray that the Abong will engage with whatever Scripture that is available to them, for example some may speak Hausa or English and can translate for their communities. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives them understanding despite any language barriers, leading them into all truth.
Pray that all who follow Christ will be channels of God’s eternal blessing and love to their own people and to neighboring people groups. May they be full of God’s Spirit of love, boldness and wisdom.
Pray for those who don’t yet follow Jesus, that God’s Spirit will gently but firmly remove the veil that keeps them from acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord.
Pray a survey can be conducted to help assess the vitality of the language and assist community leaders in deciding if they wish to pursue language development.

Text Source:   Joshua Project