The Major Ethnic Groups in Benue State

Nestled in the heart of Nigeria’s middle belt region is Benue State, a land known for its diverse cultural heritage and historical significance. Home to various ethnic groups, Benue State serves as a melting pot of traditions, languages, and customs. This article embarks on a journey to explore the major ethnic groups that contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Benue.

Major Ethnic Groups in Benue State

Here is a list of the major Ethnic groups in Benue State.

The Tiv Ethnic Group

The Tiv people are one of the major ethnic groups in Benue State. They constitute approximately 2.4% of Nigeria’s total population. known for their agrarian lifestyle, strong communal bonds, and rich cultural heritage are arguably the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. With a population exceeding over seven million throughout Nigeria and Cameroon, the Tiv language is a unifying factor among them. Traditional Tiv society revolves around lineage and clan systems, with the Tor Tiv as the paramount ruler. Festivals like the Yam Festival (Ivase) highlight the Tiv’s deep connection to the land and agricultural traditions.

• Occupation

The Tiv people primarily engage in subsistence farming, cultivating crops like yams, millet, and sorghum. The Tiv People often prepare these staple crops as porridge or enhance them with various sauces and stews for better taste. Although goats and chickens are abundant, the Tiv community keeps few cattle due to the presence of the tsetse fly, which poses a challenge to cattle farming.

• Belief

Despite some Tiv individuals embracing Christianity and a smaller number adopting Islam due to Western influences, the traditional Tiv religion remains robust. This belief system, rooted in the concept of manipulating forces (akombo) bestowed upon humans by a creator deity, demonstrates itself through symbols, emblems, and the diseases they attribute to these forces. Elders with the knowledge to control these forces convene at night to address manifestations of akombo, such as epidemics, that impact the community.

• Traditional Food

When it comes to food, the Tiv people are known for their hearty appetites and generosity. A common Tiv expression after a meal, “u yôô,” translates to “You have cooked,” signifying satisfaction without the need for a formal “Thank you.” This cultural practice reflects the communal and sharing nature of Tiv dining traditions.

Soups

The Tiv people relish a diverse array of soups that form an essential component of their culinary heritage. Among these are Pocho, Ager, Genger, Atyever, Tur, Vambe, Igyo, Agbende, Ashwe, Atuur, and Mngishim. People often compliment these soups, enriched with traditional flavors, with an assortment of vegetables such as Ijôv, Aninge, Furum, Adenger, Gbungu, Angahar, and Ikyuna, alongside Gbande.

Dietary Staples

Roasted yams, Ahuma, Rice, and Beans (known as Chingapa sha Alev) stand as cornerstones of Tiv cuisine. These staple foods form the fundamental elements of their diet, cherished and consumed throughout the community.

Refreshments

Burukutu and Ibyer rank as favored beverages within Tiv culture. During communal gatherings and festive occasions, people frequently savor these refreshing drinks, adding a spirited touch to social interactions.

Tantalizing Snacks

Throughout the day, the Tiv people indulge in an assortment of tantalizing snacks that tantalize their taste buds. These include Peanuts and Sesame (Beni-seed), Asondo (Dried Sweet Potatoes), Igbough Ahi (Roasted or Boiled Bambara Nuts), Mzembe (Roasted Pears), Huu (Roasted Termites), Alie and Nyata, Kuese (Beans Cake), and N’gyata (Groundnut Paste). These snacks hold significant cultural significance within the Tiv culinary tradition, delighting individuals of all ages with their flavorsome appeal.

• Traditional Attire (A’nger)

The Tiv people’s traditional attire, known as A’nger, features distinctive black-and-white stripes. Centuries ago, upon settling in their current location, the Tiv discovered that the zebra, which they used to hunt for both meat and ceremonial attire, was not native to the area. Consequently, to honor their heritage, once they mastered the art of weaving, they crafted a cloth with black-and-white stripes reminiscent of zebra skin. This cloth became the preferred attire, initially a simple draping for the torso, now evolved into elaborate robes worn by traditional rulers and elders, including the Tor Tiv and others. The traditional rulers’ necklaces are also black-and-white to complement their robes.

Other traditional Tiv garments include Ivavtyo, Lishi, Gbev-whaa, Godo, Tugudu, Chado, Deremen, Gbagir, and Anger, each holding cultural significance within the Tiv community.

Idoma Ethnic Group

The Idoma is also one of the  Major Ethnic Groups in Benue State.  Idoma people are the second largest ethnic group of Benue State, and there are around 2.5 million living in seven LGAs across the state, including Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Otukpo, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo and Ado. The Idoma people can also be found in Cross River and Nassarawa states. Concentrated in the eastern part of the state, the Idoma excels in pottery, traditional music, and dance. They widely speak the Idoma language among themselves, and their economy revolves around agriculture, particularly the cultivation of yam and cassava. The Och’Idoma, their paramount traditional ruler, plays a key role in preserving their cultural heritage and fostering unity.

• Traditional Attire

The traditional attire of the Idoma people features distinctive red and black stripes, a style introduced in the 1980s to cultivate a unique Idoma identity. Moreover, despite its relatively recent inception, this attire holds significant cultural importance for the Idoma community. Known for its black and red colors, Idoma clothing, also referred to as Apa or Edema, carries symbolic meanings. The black symbolizes the earth and burial shroud, while red signifies royalty or the red feather. Traditional Idoma leaders commonly wear this red feather atop their heads, further emphasizing their status and heritage.

• Traditional dance

Igede Ethnic Group

The Igede ethnic group is the third largest ethnic group in Benue State, Nigeria, following the Tiv and Idoma ethnic groups. The Igede people, estimated to number between 300,000 to 500,000 individuals, primarily inhabit the Oju and Obi local government areas of Benue State.  Known for their rich cultural heritage, language, and traditional practices, the Igede people actively contribute to the diverse tapestry of Benue State’s ethnic groups. The Igede people trace their origin to Sabon Gida Ora in present-day Edo State, with oral traditions linking them to a high chief named Agba. A conflict between the Igede and the natives of Ora led to their migration to present-day Benue State.

• Traditional Attire

The traditional Attire of the Igede people is distinguished by three primary colors: blue, black, and white, each carrying symbolic significance within their culture. Blue symbolizes peace, reflecting their community’s yearning for harmony and serenity. Black represents agriculture, underscoring the importance of farming in the Igede way of life. White signifies purity, emphasizing moral integrity and cleanliness.

These colors not only serve as visual identifiers of Igede heritage but also convey their values and identity. The traditional attire is prominently worn during cultural festivities and gatherings at the palace of the paramount leader of the Igede people. Through the distinct colors and patterns of their clothing, the Igede people take pride in showcasing their unique cultural heritage.

• Culture

 Igede culture places a strong emphasis on nature, which is believed to be interconnected with deities or spirits. They celebrate traditions like the Igede-Agba festival, which marks the yam harvest season in September.

• Occupations

Traditionally, the Igede people were predominantly farmers, cultivating crops like maize, cassava, groundnuts, and yams. Additionally, they engaged in various occupations such as commerce, palm wine tapping, smithery, pottery, basket making, weaving, tailoring, and more.

• Food

The Igede people have a variety of foods, with pounded yam and sesame soup being a favorite. Other foods include Ihile, Egbe nyi chwo, and Egbei. Spices like okpehe and ikparenge are used to enhance the taste of their soups

Read also: Most interesting facts about Igede

Etulo Ethnic Group

The Etulo people, also known as Mkwaghavul, form a smaller ethnic group within Benue State, primarily found in the Obi Local Government Area. Nevertheless, despite their smaller numbers, the Etulo have preserved their cultural identity through language, storytelling, and traditional practices. The Etulo language, distinct from others in the region, belongs to the Plateau language family. Alongside agriculture, the Etulo engage in crafts like weaving and blacksmithing, enriching their cultural heritage. The primary language spoken by the Etulo people is Etulo, and they predominantly practice ethnoreligion as their primary faith.

• Traditional Attire

 The traditional attire of the Etulo people is characterized by black and white colors. They adorn colorful garments with intricate patterns and designs that reflect their artistic sensibilities and sense of style. This attire is a notable aspect of Etulo culture, showcasing their unique fashion sense and cultural identity.

Agatu Ethnic Group

The Agatu people, who predominantly inhabit the Agatu Local Government Area, exhibit resilience and cultural vibrancy. Their dialect, closely related to the Idoma language, is the primary means of communication. Agriculture, especially fishing due to their proximity to rivers, is a major economic activity. Traditional rulers, the Och’Agatu, play vital roles in preserving cultural practices and mediating communal affairs.

• Traditional Attire

The Agatu people’s traditional clothing showcases their cultural heritage and identity. Like many Nigerian ethnic groups, Agatu attire varies by gender and occasion. Men often wear locally woven fabric wrappers with shirts or tunics, adorned with intricate patterns. Accessories like caps, beads, and wristbands complement their attire. Women wear colorful fabric wrappers with blouses or as tops, embellished with embroidery and beadwork. Headscarves, beads, and jewelry are common accessories for Agatu women’s traditional dress.

• Traditional food

The Agatu cuisine, influenced by their farming and culinary customs, features yams, cassava, and potatoes prepared as pounded yam. Additionally, other common ingredients include millet and maize, as well as vegetables such as spinach, okra, and pumpkin leaves. People prepare protein sources like fish, bushmeat, and poultry in stews or soups, flavoring them with local spices and herbs. They commonly use palm oil for cooking, enriching, and adding flavor to many dishes

Read also: Major tribes in Nigeria and their Languages

Conclusion

Benue State is a testament to Nigeria’s cultural diversity, with its major ethnic groups contributing to its social fabric in unique ways. These ethnic groups bring their distinct traditions, languages, and customs, creating a harmonious yet diverse cultural tapestry. Appreciating and understanding the richness of these ethnic groups is crucial for promoting unity, preserving culture, and celebrating the diverse identities that define Benue State.