Introduction / History

The Chips are found in about 33 villages in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The language they speak is also called Miship. Miship has two varieties? Longmaar and Jibam. Longmaar is said to be the central of the two. The Kong Ship, meaning River Ship, was named after the Miship. They have a paramount chief called Ndaalong Miship. He lives in Kwala, the most prestigious town for all the Chip.

The Chip people trace their origin in Sudan, where their ancestors are said to have migrated along with the Ngas, Mupun (a dialect of Mwaghavul), Tal, Tarok, Goemai, Sura, and Pyem. It is believed that they migrated through Chad into Northeast Nigeria, then settled at several places before coming to their present locations in Pankshin Local Government Area. The Chip share geographical boundary with the Ngas, Mupun a dialect of Mwaghavul, Jipal a dialect of Kofyar, and Tal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Chips are predominantly farmers. They grow, guinea corn (sorghum), millet, beans, groundnut, rice and maize. Rice is their main crop.

Vaiko is an annual heritage celebration observed by the Chip. It features cultural dance displays and a wrestling competition in which young males display their fighting skills. During the celebrations, women are adorned in local fabric with leaves worn over as accessories. Men tie animal skins around their waist over local fabrics. A local delicacy called Ngup is served with Kunu (locally brewed non-alcoholic drink from sorghum or millet).

What Are Their Beliefs?

Chips adhere to traditional religion. Their faith is in the power of local priests and the spirit world. They worship their ancestral spirits. Only a few have put their faith in Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Those who live in rural Nigeria need more accessible health care and good schools. They also need access to the precious gospel. About the only gospel materials they have in the Miship language is a set of gospel recordings. Bible translation is in the early stages.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord's anointing of Bible translation efforts.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to call Chip family and village leaders to heed the word of the Lord.
Pray for adequate medical clinics and schools.

References

Scripture Prayers for the Chip in Nigeria.