Complete List Of Local Government Areas In Benue State And Their Headquarters
Benue State, located in north-central Nigeria, was created on February 3, 1976. It is known as the "Food Basket of the Nation" due to its vast agricultural resources, particularly in yam, rice, maize, and cassava production. The state capital is Makurdi, and it is home to the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede ethnic groups.
Benue State has 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each with a designated headquarters. Below is a detailed list of all LGAs and their headquarters.
List of Local Government Areas in Benue State and Their Headquarters
1. Ado – Igumale
Ado LGA has its headquarters in Igumale. It is a predominantly Idoma-speaking area known for its solid mineral deposits.
2. Agatu – Obagaji
Agatu LGA, with headquarters in Obagaji, is famous for fishing and rice farming, as it is located near the Benue River.
3. Apa – Ugbokpo
Apa LGA has its headquarters in Ugbokpo. It is known for agriculture and traditional Idoma festivals.
4. Buruku – Buruku
Buruku LGA, with headquarters in Buruku Town, is a major agricultural hub, producing crops like yam and cassava.
5. Gboko – Gboko
Gboko LGA, with headquarters in Gboko Town, is considered the traditional headquarters of the Tiv people. It is also a commercial and educational center.
6. Guma – Gbajimba
Guma LGA, with headquarters in Gbajimba, is known for farming and cattle rearing. It is also the home LGA of former Governor Samuel Ortom.
7. Gwer East – Aliade
Gwer East LGA has its headquarters in Aliade. The area is famous for yam farming and trade.
8. Gwer West – Naka
Gwer West LGA, with headquarters in Naka, is another agricultural-rich area known for yam and cassava production.
9. Katsina-Ala – Katsina-Ala
Katsina-Ala LGA has its headquarters in Katsina-Ala Town. It is an economic hub in the Tiv region and home to the famous late militia leader Terwase Akwaza (Gana).
10. Konshisha – Tse-Agberagba
Konshisha LGA, with headquarters in Tse-Agberagba, is an agricultural and trade center, producing rice and other crops.
11. Kwande – Adikpo
Kwande LGA, with headquarters in Adikpo, is located in eastern Benue and shares a border with Cameroon. It is a major producer of palm oil and timber.
12. Logo – Ugba
Logo LGA, with headquarters in Ugba, is known for farming and cattle rearing. It has been affected by farmer-herder conflicts.
13. Makurdi – Makurdi
Makurdi LGA, with headquarters in Makurdi City, is the state capital and home to Benue State University (BSU) and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM).
14. Obi – Obarike-Ito
Obi LGA, with headquarters in Obarike-Ito, is dominated by the Igede ethnic group and is known for farming.
15. Ogbadibo – Otukpa
Ogbadibo LGA, with headquarters in Otukpa, is in the Idoma-speaking part of Benue. It is famous for palm oil production.
16. Ohimini – Otukpo
Ohimini LGA, with headquarters in Otukpo, is known for rice farming and palm oil processing.
17. Oju – Oju
Oju LGA, with headquarters in Oju Town, is home to the Igede people and has a strong agricultural economy.
18. Okpokwu – Okpoga
Okpokwu LGA, with headquarters in Okpoga, is located in the Idoma-speaking region and is known for farming and mining.
19. Otukpo – Otukpo
Otukpo LGA has its headquarters in Otukpo Town, which is the traditional seat of the Idoma people. It is a commercial center with many businesses.
20. Tarka – Wannune
Tarka LGA, with headquarters in Wannune, is a Tiv-dominated area known for agriculture and politics.
21. Ukum – Sankera
Ukum LGA, with headquarters in Sankera, is a major agricultural area, producing yam and cassava.
22. Ushongo – Lessel
Ushongo LGA, with headquarters in Lessel, is known for farming and trade.
23. Vandeikya – Vandeikya
Vandeikya LGA, with headquarters in Vandeikya Town, is in the Tiv-speaking area and is famous for yam and rice farming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Local Government Areas are in Benue State?
Benue State has 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
2. What is the capital of Benue State?
The capital of Benue State is Makurdi.
3. Why is Benue State called the "Food Basket of the Nation"?
Benue is called the "Food Basket of the Nation" because of its large-scale agricultural production, particularly in yam, cassava, maize, and rice farming.
4. Which LGA is the largest in Benue State?
Katsina-Ala and Makurdi LGAs are among the largest in terms of population and economic activities.
5. What are the major ethnic groups in Benue State?
The three major ethnic groups in Benue State are the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede.
6. What languages are spoken in Benue State?
The major languages spoken are Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Hausa, and English.
7. What are the main economic activities in Benue State?
The main economic activities include farming, fishing, trading, and livestock rearing.
8. Is Benue State safe for visitors?
Benue State is generally safe, but some areas have experienced farmer-herder conflicts. Visitors should stay informed about security conditions before traveling.
Conclusion
Benue State is a rich agricultural state with 23 LGAs, each contributing to its economic, cultural, and historical significance. Whether you are interested in farming, trade, or tourism, Benue has something to offer.
Have any questions? Drop them in the comments!