Manga Kanuri
Quick facts about the Manga Kanuri
- Location: Nigeria, Niger
- Also Known As: Kanuri
- Status: Engaged by IMB
- Population: 700,000
- Primary Religion: Islam
- Number of Christians: Only 30 known Christians
- Language: Kanuri, Manga
- Kanuri tribes have practiced Islam for more than 1,000 years
- Most of them are subsistence farmers who raise millet, sorghum and peanuts
- The cornerstone of Kanuri society is the household
- The Kanuri are friendly, helpful and open, particularly to those who show respect for their language
Pray entire households and villages of Kanuri people will become Christians at the same time in order to provide safety and support in the face of possible religious persecution.
Learn more about the Manga Kanuri!
Tall and very dark, the Manga Kanuri are a stately, dignified people. They form a sub-group of the Kanuri people, who number about 4.5 million and can be found in Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon. About 700,000 Manga Kanuri live in the West Africa region—500,000 in Niger and 200,000 in Nigeria.
During the region's three months of rain, these proud people struggle to raise enough food to feed their family and animals for the entire year. Flocks of sheep and goats supplement the Manga's meager existence. Some Manga Kanuri also raise cattle and camels.
The Manga Kanuri are avid horsemen. Those who can afford a horse own one, because it is a sign of Manga prestige. Horsemen, often in special dress and carrying swords or spears, display their abilities on their colorfully-decorated horses at any major Manga celebration.
Many observers say the Kanuri people are closed to outside influences, especially the gospel. However, Christian workers trying to reach the Manga Kanuri report they are friendly, helpful and open, particularly to those who show respect for their language.
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Images of the Manga Kanuri
