Barke, Burkanawa in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The Barke live in one village called Burku, in the Miya District of Ganjuwa LGA in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Their neighbors include the Kariya, Ajawa, Choogen, Fulani, Deno, Jimbin, Warji and Miya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Barke people have a traditional chief called Mai-li-taffi, and he lives in their village. They also have an annual traditional festival called Gwarkwati. During the celebration, they play a traditional drum called Dangari to entertain themselves.

As farmers, the Burku cultivate primarily guinea corn, millet and groundnut.

They have primary and junior secondary schools and a market in their community. Means of transportation in the area is mainly motorcycles because of their rough and bad roads.

Every year they have the fascinating Gwarkwati festival that tourists like to see.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nearly half of them still practice their ethnic traditional religion; many are reported to be Muslims; some are Christians. They are noted for using amulets and charms in a vain hope for spiritual protection.

What Are Their Needs?

They lack health centers, pipe-borne water and electricity.

Cross cultural mission is needed among the people, including pastoral training, evangelism, discipleship, economic empowerment, literacy and education, agriculture and health and medical care.

No Scripture is translated to Mburku, their language. Literacy level in the mother-tongue is low. There have only been a few responses to the gospel and the growth of the churches is stable. Four church congregations are spreading the gospel of Christ in their community; the Gospel Life, Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Deeper Life.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Burku people would grow in their desire for the word of God.
Pray for them to have a desire to have scripture in their own language.
Pray the Burku will one day sing songs of praise to Yahweh, their God and King.

Text Source:   Joshua Project