Introduction / History

The Bitare people, also known as Njwande or Yukutare, live in both Nigeria and Cameroon. In Nigeria, they are found in Taraba State, while in Cameroon, they are mainly in the Adamawa Region near Banyo. Their language, Bitare, is still spoken in homes and passed on to children, though people also use Hausa, English, and other neighboring languages. The Bitare are part of the wider Tivoid cluster of peoples in the Nigeria–Cameroon borderlands, sharing cultural and trade ties with nearby groups.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bitare live mostly in rural villages and rely on farming and livestock. They grow millet, sorghum, maize, rice, cassava, yams, and groundnuts. In Cameroon, coffee, tea, and cotton are also grown. Fishing supplements their diet, and goats, sheep, and cattle are raised for food and income. Markets are central for trading farm produce and buying goods. Extended families often live close together, and cooperation in farming and celebrations strengthens community ties.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Bitare people identify as Christians. Churches are active, but local congregations often focus more on meeting community needs than on individual salvation. Traditional beliefs, including rituals to protect against spirits, may still influence daily life. Islam is present in neighboring groups, but among the Bitare, Christianity is dominant. Audio-visual Bible lessons in Bitare, covering the story from creation to Christ, are available from the Global Recordings Network (under the alternative language name, Njwande).

What Are Their Needs?

The Bitare language remains oral. It has not been written down. A better understanding is needed of how widely it is used compared to Hausa, English, or other local languages. However, audio Scripture and teaching materials in Bitare would likely strengthen the faith of Bitare believers.Practical needs include improved farming methods, access to markets, better education opportunities and healthcare.

Prayer Items

Ask God to bless the Bitare people on both sides of the Nigeria-Cameroon border.Ask God to strengthen the faith of believers by his Holy Spirit, so that they might continue to live their lives in Christ and bring God glory among the nations.Pray that God’s word will be clearly and accurately explained to the Bitare people, and in the language they know best. May they be transformed by the renewing of their minds as they let God’s word shape their thoughts and ways. (Psalm 119:130; Romans 12:1)Ask the Lord of the harvest for workers to help the Bitare to translate God’s word into their language.Pray for unity among all believers in the region, regardless of denomination, nation, tribe, and language. (Psalm 133; John 17:20-23)Pray for a hunger among all Bitare for the living God, and that they allow nothing but Jesus Christ to satisfy that hunger.May God’s amazing love draws all Bitare to himself, dispelling all fears and doubts.

Scripture Prayers for the Bitare in Cameroon.

References

Written by SILBitare | Ethnologue FreeBitare language - WikipediaTaraba State - WikipediaPeopleGroups.org - BitareAbout: Tivoid languages (dbpedia.org)Taraba State - WikipediaPeopleGroups.org - BitareAbout: Tivoid languages (dbpedia.org)