Bole, Bolewa in Nigeria

Bole, Bolewa
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GoWestAfrica  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Bole, Bolewa
Country: Nigeria
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 180,000
World Population: 180,000
Primary Language: Bole
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 4.00 %
Evangelicals: 2.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Benue
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Research documents complimented by oral traditions have it that the Bolewa tribe appear to have eastern origins, tracing their westward movements from the Middle East. The Bolewa are believed to have left Yemen in southern Arabia a little after 940 AD. Between 1100 AD and 1500 AD, they moved westward to the shores of Lake Chad and into Nigeria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Known for their hard work, educational advantage and connections, the Bolewa can be found in virtually all sectors of the Nigerian economy, including public service.

The main area where the Bolewa people reside includes the terrorist group Boko Haram, which seeks to unleash mayhem, fear and ethnic cleansing. The presence of terrorist groups in the home area of the Bolewa brings an extra measure of danger and difficulty in taking the gospel to the Bolewa people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Bole people are Sunni Muslims who add a liberal amount of spiritism to their Islamic beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

Gospel radio needs to become increasingly available throughout Nigeria, and these broadcasts need to include the language of the Bolewa people.

Prayer Points

Pray that gospel recordings (which are available in this language) will be widely circulated.
Christians have lived in the region in which the Bolewa people live for quite some time, but the number of Christian believers within this tribe today are very few in number. Pray for them and others who will soon become followers of Christ, that the Lord will protect them from terrorist groups and will give them eagerness to know and serve Jesus.
Pray for peace throughout all of northeastern Nigeria.

Text Source:   Joshua Project