Tha in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The Tha people are a small indigenous people who live in Nigeria. The culture of the Tha may be changed drastically in the coming years as they come into contact with modern Nigerian society. No Christian resources are available in the Tha language. Linguists will need to do a survey to determine whether the Tha language has a script or that one must be created.

Where Are they Located?

The Tha people live in Lau LGA of Taraba State of North-east Nigeria. Migrant Hausa-Fulani people are also in significant numbers in this state. The Tha people reside mostly in rural villages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tha are largely animistic people who grow their own food and raise livestock for meat and milk. Most people groups in rural Nigeria like the Tha enjoy music, story-telling and dance as a form of entertainment and communication. These art forms are very meaningful in rural Nigeria. Those who want to take the gospel to the Tha people would do well to use these art forms when presenting the gospel.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Evangelistic efforts may have brought a few Tha to Christ. The vast majority of the Tha practice folk or ethnic religion. Islam is also threatening to have hold among them due to influx of Hausa-Fulani migrants. The Tha believe that good and evil spirits inhabit the objects of nature such as trees, rocks, rivers, sky and mountains. These spirits must be appeased through rituals, offerings and prayers. If the spirits are not honored, they can bring disasters upon the people. Animism is often practiced along with the veneration of ancestors.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tha people need abundant rain for their crops and their livestock so they can live lives free of want and poverty. They need modern medical care and good schools that will help the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The Tha people need the blessings of the Risen Christ, who has conquered death, and will give them abundant life if they are willing to accept His guidance. They need the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, who alone is the judge of all mankind, and will separate the sheep from the goats on Judgment Day. The Tha people need to be delivered from their fear of evil spirits.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Tha people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.
Pray for networks of believing families and fellowships that will throw the doors open for others to follow Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to bless the families among the Tha people with His presence and mercy.
Pray for believers among this people group to disciple others who will disciple still others.

Text Source:   Keith Carey