Benue State Tribes: A Comprehensive List Of Ethnic Groups
Benue State, located in north-central Nigeria, is known as the "Food Basket of the Nation" due to its rich agricultural production. However, beyond its farming reputation, Benue is one of the most culturally diverse states in Nigeria, home to several indigenous ethnic groups with unique languages, traditions, and histories.
In this article, we explore the major ethnic groups, indigenous tribes, and languages spoken in Benue State.
1. Overview of Ethnic Diversity in Benue State
Benue State is dominated by three major ethnic groups:
- Tiv (the largest ethnic group)
- Idoma
- Igede
Apart from these, Benue is also home to several smaller indigenous tribes, making it one of Nigeria’s most linguistically and culturally diverse states.
Key Ethnic Features of Benue State:
- Major Ethnic Groups: Tiv, Idoma, Igede
- Indigenous Tribes: Over 10 ethnic groups
- Languages Spoken: Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Jukun, and others
- Religions: Christianity (majority), Islam, and Traditional Religions
2. Major Ethnic Groups in Benue State
A. Tiv People (Largest Ethnic Group)
The Tiv are the dominant ethnic group in Benue, making up about 60-70% of the state’s population.
- Language: Tiv
- Occupation: Primarily farmers, cultivating yam, cassava, and grains.
- Culture: Known for their social structure (Ityo system), traditional dances, and unique woven fabric (Anger fabric).
- Religion: Majority are Christians, with some practicing traditional religion.
The Tiv people are found in the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):
- Gboko
- Katsina-Ala
- Makurdi
- Logo
- Guma
- Ukum
- Vandeikya
- Konshisha
- Ushongo
- Buruku
B. Idoma People
The Idoma are the second-largest ethnic group in Benue State.
- Language: Idoma
- Occupation: Farming, trading, and civil service.
- Culture: Known for Oglinye (war dance) and traditional chieftaincy system (Och’Idoma).
- Religion: Predominantly Christian, but some practice traditional beliefs.
Idoma people are found in the following LGAs:
- Otukpo
- Okpokwu
- Ogbadibo
- Apa
- Ado
- Agatu
C. Igede People
The Igede are the third-largest ethnic group in Benue State.
- Language: Igede
- Occupation: Farming, especially yam production.
- Culture: Celebrate the Igede Agba New Yam Festival.
- Religion: Mainly Christian, with a few practicing traditional religion.
The Igede people are concentrated in Oju and Obi LGAs.
3. Indigenous Tribes of Benue State
Apart from the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede, Benue is home to several smaller indigenous tribes, including:
A. Etulo People
- Found in Buruku and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
- Speak the Etulo language.
- Culturally influenced by the Tiv.
B. Jukun People
- Found in Makurdi and Guma LGAs.
- Speak Jukun language.
- Linked historically to the Kwararafa Kingdom.
C. Ufia People
- Found in Ado LGA.
- Speak a dialect of Idoma.
D. Nyifon People
- Found in Buruku LGA.
- Speak a language related to Tiv and Etulo.
E. Hausa and Fulani Settlers
- Found in urban centers like Makurdi, Otukpo, and Gboko.
- Speak Hausa and Fulfulde.
- Primarily engaged in trading and cattle rearing.
4. Languages Spoken in Benue State
Benue State is multilingual, with over 10 languages spoken. The major ones include:
- Tiv – The most widely spoken language.
- Idoma – Spoken in southern Benue.
- Igede – Spoken in Oju and Obi LGAs.
- Etulo – Spoken in Buruku and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
- Jukun – Spoken in Makurdi and Guma LGAs.
- Nyifon – Spoken in Buruku.
- Hausa – Used as a trade language in urban areas.
Most people in Benue are bilingual, speaking their native language along with English and Hausa.
5. Cultural Heritage and Traditions in Benue State
Benue is rich in cultural heritage, with various festivals and traditional practices. Some notable ones include:
- Kwagh-hir Festival: A famous Tiv traditional puppet theatre.
- Igede Agba Festival: Celebrated by the Igede people to mark the new yam harvest.
- Aje Alekwu Festival: Celebrated by the Idoma to honor ancestors.
- Oglinye Dance: A traditional warrior dance of the Idoma.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main ethnic group in Benue State?
The Tiv people are the largest ethnic group in Benue State.
2. How many ethnic groups are in Benue State?
Benue State has over 10 ethnic groups, with the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede being the most prominent.
3. What language is most commonly spoken in Benue?
Tiv is the most widely spoken language, followed by Idoma and Igede.
4. Are there indigenous tribes in Benue apart from Tiv and Idoma?
Yes, Benue also has smaller tribes like Etulo, Jukun, Ufia, and Nyifon.
5. What is Benue State known for?
Benue State is famous for:
- Agriculture (yam, cassava, rice, and soya beans production).
- Rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals.
- The Benue River, which provides fishing and irrigation.
7. Final Thoughts
Benue State is one of Nigeria’s most culturally rich and agriculturally productive states. With its diverse ethnic groups—including Tiv, Idoma, Igede, and others—the state showcases unity in diversity.
Are you from Benue State? Which ethnic group do you belong to? Let us know in the comments!
