List Of Indigenous Tribes, Languages, And Ethnic Groups In Benue State, Nigeria
Benue State, located in north-central Nigeria, is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the country. It is often called the "Food Basket of the Nation" due to its rich agricultural heritage, but it is also home to numerous indigenous ethnic groups, each with a unique culture, language, and tradition.
This article provides a detailed list of the indigenous tribes, languages, and ethnic groups in Benue State.
1. Major Ethnic Groups in Benue State
Benue State is dominated by three major ethnic groups:
- Tiv – The largest ethnic group, making up about 60-70% of the state’s population.
- Idoma – The second-largest group, mostly in southern Benue.
- Igede – The third-largest ethnic group.
Apart from these three, Benue also has smaller indigenous tribes with unique languages and traditions.
2. Comprehensive List of Indigenous Tribes in Benue State
A. Tiv People (Largest Ethnic Group)
- Language: Tiv
- Occupation: Primarily farmers, cultivating yam, cassava, maize, and soya beans.
- Culture: Known for their Ityo clan system, Kwagh-hir puppet theatre, and Anger fabric.
- Religion: Majority are Christians, with some practicing traditional beliefs.
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
- Language: Idoma
- Occupation: Farming, trading, and civil service.
- Culture: Known for Oglinye (war dance) and the Och’Idoma chieftaincy system.
- Religion: Mostly Christian, with some practicing traditional beliefs.
The Idoma people are found in the following LGAs:
- Otukpo
- Okpokwu
- Ogbadibo
- Apa
- Ado
- Agatu
C. Igede People
- Language: Igede
- Occupation: Farmers, especially known for yam production.
- Culture: Celebrate the Igede Agba (New Yam Festival).
- Religion: Mainly Christian, with some practicing traditional religion.
The Igede people are concentrated in Oju and Obi LGAs.
D. Etulo People
- Location: Found in Buruku and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
- Language: Etulo
- Occupation: Farming and trade.
- Cultural Influence: Influenced by Tiv culture.
E. Jukun People
- Location: Found in Makurdi and Guma LGAs.
- Language: Jukun
- Occupation: Farming and fishing.
- Historical Significance: Linked to the ancient Kwararafa Kingdom.
F. Ufia People
- Location: Found in Ado LGA.
- Language: A dialect of Idoma.
- Occupation: Farming and traditional crafts.
G. Nyifon People
- Location: Found in Buruku LGA.
- Language: Nyifon
- Occupation: Farming and hunting.
H. Hausa and Fulani Settlers
- Location: Found in urban areas like Makurdi, Otukpo, and Gboko.
- Language: Hausa and Fulfulde.
- Occupation: Cattle rearing, trade, and commerce.
3. Complete List of Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Benue State
- Tiv
- Idoma
- Igede
- Etulo
- Jukun
- Ufia
- Nyifon
- Hausa (settlers)
- Fulani (settlers)
4. Languages Spoken in Benue State
Benue State is linguistically diverse, with over 10 languages spoken. The major ones include:
- Tiv – Spoken by the majority.
- Idoma – Spoken in southern Benue.
- Igede – Spoken in Oju and Obi LGAs.
- Etulo – Spoken in Buruku and Katsina-Ala.
- Jukun – Spoken in Makurdi and Guma.
- Nyifon – Spoken in Buruku.
- Hausa – Spoken as a trade language.
Most people in Benue speak more than one language, commonly Hausa and English in addition to their native tongue.
5. Cultural Heritage and Traditions in Benue State
Benue State has a rich cultural heritage, with various festivals and traditional celebrations. Some notable ones include:
- Kwagh-hir Festival: A famous Tiv puppet theatre and storytelling festival.
- Igede Agba Festival: A New Yam Festival celebrated by the Igede people.
- Aje Alekwu Festival: Celebrated by the Idoma people to honor ancestors.
- Oglinye Dance: A traditional warrior dance of the Idoma.
These traditions reflect the deep history and cultural pride of Benue’s ethnic groups.
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 more than 10 ethnic groups, with Tiv, Idoma, and Igede as the major ones.
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. Conclusion
Benue State is one of Nigeria’s most culturally diverse states, with a rich blend of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. From the Tiv majority to the Idoma, Igede, and smaller indigenous tribes, the state showcases unity in diversity.
Are you from Benue State? Which ethnic group do you belong to? Let us know in the comments!
