Cross River State Tribes: A Comprehensive List Of Ethnic Groups
Cross River State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is one of the most culturally diverse states in the country. It is home to a rich blend of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions, making it a significant cultural hub. The state shares borders with Cameroon, which has influenced its linguistic and cultural diversity.
In this article, we explore the major ethnic groups, indigenous tribes, and languages spoken in Cross River State.
1. Overview of Ethnic Diversity in Cross River State
Cross River State has a multi-ethnic composition, with over 25 distinct indigenous tribes spread across its 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The state is dominated by the Efik, Ejagham, and Bekwarra ethnic groups, among many others.
Key Ethnic Features of Cross River State:
- Major Ethnic Groups: Efik, Ejagham, Bekwarra, Yakurr, and others.
- Indigenous Tribes: Over 25 ethnic groups.
- Languages Spoken: Efik, Ejagham, Bekwarra, Yakurr, Boki, and more.
- Religions: Christianity (majority), followed by traditional beliefs.
2. Major Ethnic Groups in Cross River State
A. Efik People
The Efik are one of the most prominent ethnic groups in Cross River State. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, elaborate festivals, and influence on Nigerian cuisine.
- Language: Efik
- Occupation: Traditionally fishermen, traders, and administrators.
- Culture: Known for royalty, masquerades, and the famous Efik traditional attire.
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity.
The Efik Kingdom is centered in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
B. Ejagham (Ekoi) People
The Ejagham (Ekoi) people are the largest ethnic group in Cross River State. They are known for their wood carving, traditional tattoos, and the famous Nsibidi writing system.
- Language: Ejagham (Ekoi)
- Occupation: Farmers, traders, and hunters.
- Culture: They practice Nsibidi script, a form of indigenous writing.
- Religion: Christianity and traditional beliefs.
Ejagham people are found in:
- Ogoja
- Etung
- Akamkpa
- Ikom
C. Bekwarra People
The Bekwarra people are one of the largest ethnic groups in northern Cross River.
- Language: Bekwarra
- Occupation: Farmers and traders.
- Culture: Known for community leadership and traditional festivals.
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity.
Bekwarra people are found in Bekwarra Local Government Area (LGA).
D. Yakurr People
The Yakurr ethnic group is famous for its Leboku New Yam Festival, one of Nigeria’s most colorful traditional festivals.
- Language: Lokaa (Yakurr)
- Occupation: Farming, fishing, and trading.
- Culture: Known for festivals, music, and traditional wrestling.
- Religion: Christianity and traditional beliefs.
Yakurr people are found in Ugep, Mkpani, and other surrounding areas.
E. Boki People
The Boki people are one of the largest ethnic groups in central Cross River State.
- Language: Boki
- Occupation: Agriculture and hunting.
- Culture: Known for forest conservation, traditional medicine, and storytelling.
- Religion: Christianity and traditional practices.
Boki people are mainly found in Boki Local Government Area.
3. Complete List of Indigenous Tribes in Cross River State
Cross River State has over 25 indigenous ethnic groups, including:
- Efik
- Ejagham (Ekoi)
- Bekwarra
- Yakurr
- Boki
- Bahumono
- Mbembe
- Ukelle
- Yala
- Utugwang
- Olulumo
- Abayongo
- Nkim/Nkum
- Igede
- Ikom
- Mbembe
- Ododop
- Ijagam
- Ukele
- Ndebeji
- Atam
- Lokaa
- Ikun
- Anyima
- Ekajuk
Each of these ethnic groups has its own language, traditions, and customs, contributing to the state's rich diversity.
4. Languages Spoken in Cross River State
Cross River State is multilingual, with over 30 languages spoken. The most common languages include:
- Efik – Widely spoken in Calabar and Akpabuyo.
- Ejagham (Ekoi) – Spoken in Ikom, Ogoja, Etung, and Akamkpa.
- Bekwarra – Spoken in Bekwarra LGA.
- Yakurr (Lokaa) – Spoken in Yakurr and Ugep.
- Boki – Spoken in Boki LGA.
- Mbembe – Spoken in Obubra and Yala.
- Hausa and Igbo – Spoken by traders and settlers.
- English and Pidgin English – Used as lingua franca.
5. Cultural Heritage and Traditions in Cross River State
Cross River State is home to some of Nigeria’s most famous festivals and cultural traditions. Some of them include:
- Leboku New Yam Festival (Yakurr) – A major harvest festival celebrated in Ugep.
- Calabar Carnival (Efik & other groups) – The biggest street carnival in Africa.
- Ekpe Masquerade Festival (Efik & Ejagham) – A sacred traditional festival.
- Obudu New Yam Festival (Bekwarra & Yala) – A major festival in northern Cross River.
These festivals highlight the state’s deep cultural heritage and traditions.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main ethnic group in Cross River State?
The Ejagham (Ekoi) people are the largest ethnic group, followed by Efik and Bekwarra.
2. How many ethnic groups are in Cross River State?
Cross River State has over 25 indigenous ethnic groups.
3. What language is most commonly spoken in Cross River?
Efik, Ejagham, Bekwarra, Yakurr, and Boki are the most spoken indigenous languages.
4. Are there indigenous tribes in Cross River apart from Efik?
Yes, Cross River is home to Ejagham, Bekwarra, Yakurr, Boki, Mbembe, and many others.
5. What is Cross River State known for?
Cross River State is famous for:
- Calabar Carnival (Africa’s biggest street festival).
- Leboku New Yam Festival.
- Obudu Mountain Resort.
- Ekpe Masquerade Festival.
7. Conclusion
Cross River State is one of Nigeria’s most culturally diverse states, with a unique mix of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. From the Efik and their influence on Nigerian cuisine, to the Ejagham and their ancient Nsibidi script, and the Yakurr with their famous Leboku Festival, Cross River remains a cultural powerhouse.
Are you from Cross River State? Which ethnic group do you belong to? Let us know in the comments!
