Benue State Tribes: Meet The Indigenous Groups

Benue State, the “Meals Basket of the Nation”, is likely one of the most ethnically numerous states in Nigeria. The Tiv are the dominant ethnic group in Benue, making up a big chunk of the inhabitants and influencing a lot of the state’s politics, tradition, and social life. 

Benue State is named the “Meals Basket of the Nation,” however there’s extra to it than simply yams and agriculture. When most individuals consider Benue, the Tiv ethnic group involves thoughts, and for good motive. They’re the biggest tribe within the state and have a robust cultural presence throughout Nigeria. However do you know there are a number of different tribes in Benue, some with wealthy histories, languages, and cultural traditions of their very own?

Right here, we’ll be spotlighting 7 minority tribes in Benue State that many Nigerians don’t find out about:

1. Idoma

The second most recognised ethnic group in Benue after the Tiv, the Idoma persons are predominantly discovered within the southern a part of the state, particularly in locations like Otukpo, Apa, Ogbadibo, and Ohimini. Idoma culture is rich in dance and colourful festivals. The persons are recognized for the Aje Alekwu competition, conventional masquerades, and powerful ties to ancestral heritage. Their language, Idoma, is broadly spoken and has a number of dialectical variations.

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2. Igede

Smaller in quantity however proud and distinct, the Igede folks stay principally in Oju and Obi Native Authorities Areas. Their language, additionally referred to as Igede, is kind of totally different from Tiv and Idoma, and their traditions mirror a mixture of agrarian values and ancestral worship.

The Igede Agba competition, held yearly, is their greatest cultural celebration, showcasing dance, vogue, meals, and music. Many Igede youths right this moment are lively in reviving and preserving their traditions by means of cultural occasions and media.

3. Etulo

The Etulo folks stay alongside the banks of the River Benue in areas like Buruku and Katsina-Ala. Their language is said to Jukun, they usually share some cultural similarities with different riverine communities.

Fishing, farming, and conventional wrestling are massive components of their lifestyle. Though small in inhabitants, Etulo persons are happy with their roots and fiercely protecting of their customs.

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4. Abakwa

The Abakwa persons are one of many lesser-known teams in Benue, discovered primarily round Gboko and different Tiv-dominated areas.
Typically overshadowed by their Tiv neighbours, the Abakwa have a tradition rooted in conventional faith, ancestral respect, and agricultural life.

5. Utonkon

The Utonkon folks, also referred to as Ufia, are a minority tribe present in components of Ado Native Authorities Space. Although small in quantity, they’ve a definite dialect and traditions.

They share some similarities with the Idoma but in addition keep their very own rites of passage, marriage customs, and music types. Over time, the Utonkon have intermarried with neighbouring tribes, however they nonetheless retain their distinctive identification.

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6. Jukun

Some Jukun communities exist inside Benue, particularly in border areas like Wukari and southern Emblem. The Jukun are traditionally linked to the traditional Kwararafa Kingdom and share cultural ties with folks in Taraba and Nasarawa.

They’re recognized for his or her conventional faith, dances, and vibrant oral storytelling traditions. In some components of Benue, you’ll hear previous Jukun tales informed with pleasure and precision.

7. Nyifon

The Nyifon folks stay in a small a part of Buruku LGA, principally in areas close to the Benue River. Not a lot is broadly recognized about them, which is strictly why they deserve a point out.

Their language is spoken by just a few thousand folks, making it one of many endangered tongues in Nigeria. 

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In a rustic the place smaller tribes are sometimes sidelined in nationwide conversations, it’s necessary to keep in mind that each tradition issues, irrespective of how massive or small. These tribes might not dominate the headlines or the inhabitants stats, however they’re important threads within the material of Benue State.

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