LOCATION
Benue State is a state in the middle-belt region of Nigeria with a population of about 4million,
it is named after the River Benue a major tributary of the Niger River. A land renowned for its rich vegetation's no wonder its christened the Food Basket of the Nation. its inhabited predominantly by the Tiv and Idoma who speak Tiv and Idoma language respectively.The Tiv's comprises of the Etulo's while the Idoma's comprises of the Igede's,Utonkon's and the Agatu's.The other ethnic groups including Abakwa,Jukun,Akweya and Nyifon. Benue state is made of 23 L.G.As politically divided into zones A,B,C. Important towns apart from Makurdi the state capital includes Gboko,Otukpo and Katsina Ala
Popular Roundabout in Makurdi
PEOPLE
The state is populated by several ethnic groups Tiv,Idoma,Igede,Etulo,Abakpa,Jukun,Akweya,Nyifon.The Tiv are dominant of the ethnics occupying 14 L.G.As while the Idoma,Igede,Akweya and Nyifon occupy the remaining 9 L.G.As.Most of the people are farmers while the inhabitants of the river areas engage in fishing as their secondary occupation.They are amply ruled by two super kings the Tiv king (Tor Tiv) and the Idoma king (Och Idoma) and some other second class chiefs. The people are famous for their hospitality and humorous disposition preferring to relax and take a sip or two after a hard-days toil, no wonder even without the presence of many high End Las-Vegas type of landmark, the night life is really interesting with pockets of drinking hubs always filled with fun lovers and did i mention their gorgeous women who are a sight to behold.One more thing you might go a bit adventurous by joining the Tiv people to enjoy their rat meat delicacy and a bit of their spicy pork. You might also want to hang out at District 4,Ace Of Spade,Exclusive,Eclipse night clubs or enjoy some grill at Zima,Oficon,Balcony etc. With lots of A-list and affordable hotels that offer lodging for tourist, Benue state offers an enabling environment for a large scale Argo-allied investment,with large deposits of limestone and other untapped solid minerals.
Cultural Attire of The TIV,IDOMA AND IGEDE people
FESTIVALS
Benue state possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage,traditional dances like Ingyough,Ange,Anchanakupa,Swange,Akata Fishing Festival,Masqurade Festival of Orokamu and Ogirinya among others.with the Alekwu festival of the Idoma,while the Igede-Agba New Yam Festival marked every year by the Igede people of Oju and Obi LGAs.Muppet show lovers might fancy a front row view of Kwadh-hir a very entertaining Tiv puppet show amongst others
Idoma Cultural Dance (ogirinya)
