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List Of Indigenous Tribes, Languages, And Ethnic Groups In Kogi State, Nigeria

Kogi State, known as the Confluence State due to the meeting point of the Niger and Benue rivers, is one of Nigeria’s most ethnically diverse states. It is home to several indigenous tribes, each with distinct languages, cultural practices, and traditions. The major ethnic groups in Kogi State are the Igala, Ebira, and Okun (Yoruba), while several minority ethnic groups also contribute to the state’s rich cultural heritage.

This article provides a detailed list of the indigenous tribes, languages, and ethnic groups in Kogi State.

1. Overview of Kogi State’s Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

Kogi State was created in 1991 from parts of Benue, Kwara, and Niger States, which contributed to its cultural and linguistic complexity. The state shares borders with Niger, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, and Benue States, further influencing its ethnic composition.

Key Features of Kogi’s Ethnic Composition:

• Major Ethnic Groups: Igala, Ebira, Okun (Yoruba)
• Minority Ethnic Groups: Bassa, Nupe, Gwari (Gbagyi), Kakanda, Hausa, Ogori-Magongo
• Languages Spoken: Igala, Ebira, Yoruba (Okun dialects), Bassa, Gwari, Nupe, English
• Religions: Islam, Christianity, and Traditional African Religions
• Cultural Practices: Traditional festivals, masquerades, wrestling, and religious celebrations

2. Major Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Kogi State

A. Dominant Ethnic Groups

1. Igala

• The Igala people are the largest ethnic group in Kogi State.
• They primarily live in the eastern part of the state, including Idah, Dekina, Ankpa, Omala, and Bassa Local Government Areas (LGAs).
• They speak the Igala language, which has similarities with Igbo and Idoma.
• The Attah of Igala is the supreme traditional ruler of the Igala people.
• The Italo Festival and Ocho Festival are significant cultural events.

2. Ebira (Egbira)

• The Ebira people are mainly found in central Kogi, particularly in Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, and Kogi-Koton Karfe LGAs.
• The Ohinoyi of Ebira is their paramount traditional ruler.
• They speak the Ebira language, which has linguistic ties to Nupe and Gwari.
• The Ebira people are known for weaving, farming, and resistance to colonial rule.
• Echane Festival and Ekuechi Festival are important cultural events.

3. Okun (Yoruba)

• The Okun people are a subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group.
• They reside in the western part of Kogi State, covering Kabba, Ijumu, Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro LGAs.
• They speak a distinct Yoruba dialect, influenced by their proximity to Ebira and Nupe communities.
• They are known for their rich oral traditions, farming, and commerce.
• The Ovia Osese Festival is an important cultural celebration.

B. Minority Ethnic Groups in Kogi State

4. Bassa

• The Bassa people are found in Bassa LGA and parts of Dekina and Lokoja.
• They speak the Bassa language, which has different dialects.
• The Bassa are known for fishing, farming, and hunting traditions.

5. Nupe

• The Nupe people live in Lokoja and Kogi-Koton Karfe LGAs.
• They speak the Nupe language, which is also spoken in Niger and Kwara States.
• The Nupe are known for canoe-building, traditional crafts, and farming.

6. Gwari (Gbagyi)

• The Gwari people are present in Lokoja and Kogi-Koton Karfe LGAs.
• They speak the Gwari (Gbagyi) language and are known for farming, pottery, and traditional architecture.

7. Kakanda

• The Kakanda people are a small indigenous group in Lokoja and Bassa LGAs.
• They share cultural ties with the Nupe people.
• They are primarily farmers and fishermen.

8. Hausa

• The Hausa community in Kogi consists of settlers and traders in Lokoja and Okene.
• Hausa is widely spoken in markets and urban areas due to trade and migration.

9. Ogori-Magongo

• The Ogori-Magongo people reside in Ogori-Magongo LGA.
• Their language has influences from Yoruba and Edo.
• They are known for their cultural festivals and traditional dances.

3. Complete List of Indigenous Tribes in Kogi State

1. Igala
2. Ebira (Egbira)
3. Okun (Yoruba)
4. Bassa
5. Nupe
6. Gwari (Gbagyi)
7. Kakanda
8. Hausa (resident community)
9. Ogori-Magongo

4. Languages Spoken in Kogi State

Primary Languages in Kogi State:

1. Igala (spoken in Idah, Ankpa, Dekina, Omala, and Bassa LGAs)
2. Ebira (spoken in Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi LGAs)
3. Yoruba (Okun dialects) (spoken in Kabba, Ijumu, Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopamuro LGAs)
4. Bassa (spoken in Bassa and Lokoja LGAs)
5. Nupe (spoken in Lokoja and Kogi-Koton Karfe LGAs)
6. Gwari (Gbagyi) (spoken in Lokoja and Kogi-Koton Karfe LGAs)
7. Kakanda (spoken in Lokoja and Bassa LGAs)
8. Hausa (spoken in urban areas and trade centers)
9. English (official language used in government and education)

5. Conclusion

Kogi State is one of Nigeria’s most culturally and linguistically diverse states, serving as a meeting point for northern and southern ethnic groups. While the Igala, Ebira, and Okun (Yoruba) are the dominant ethnic groups, smaller tribes such as the Bassa, Nupe, Gwari, and Kakanda also play a crucial role in the state's cultural landscape.

This rich diversity is reflected in Kogi’s festivals, languages, traditional governance, and historical significance. Whether it’s the Igala’s Italo Festival, Ebira’s Ekuechi Festival, or Okun’s Ovia Osese Festival, Kogi State remains a center of cultural heritage in Nigeria.

Are you from Kogi State? Share your ethnic group, language, and cultural experiences in the comments!