Enter the labyrinthine landscape of Nigeria, where myriad cultures coalesce, and tales of intrigue and peril abound. Beyond the vibrant tapestry of traditions and customs lies a realm obscured by shadows, a realm inhabited by Nigeria’s Most Wicked Tribes and states . In this exploration, we peel back the layers of secrecy and delve into the heart of darkness that lurks within the nation’s borders.
Nigeria, often celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, harbors hidden depths that belie its outward charm. Beneath the surface of bustling cities and verdant landscapes lies a darker underbelly, a landscape marred by violence, corruption, and nefarious practices.
At the heart of this darkness lie certain tribes and states whose reputations precede them, their names whispered in hushed tones by those familiar with their notoriety. From the labyrinthine alleys of Edo state to the bustling metropolises of the Yoruba tribe, these regions have earned a reputation for danger and lawlessness.
Yet, to merely label these tribes and states as dangerous would be to overlook the nuanced complexities that underpin their societal fabric. For amidst the chaos and disorder, there exists a tapestry of history, culture, and tradition—a tapestry woven with threads of resilience and defiance.
In this exploration, we shall embark on a journey through the shadowy realms of Nigeria, shining a light on the most dangerous tribes and states that inhabit its landscape. From the insidious influence of cults and secret societies to the specter of political corruption and social unrest, we shall endeavor to uncover the truths that lie hidden beneath the surface.
Top 10 Most Wicked Tribes in Nigeria You Must Know
Join us as we venture into the unknown, where danger lurks around every corner, and the line between myth and reality blurs. Welcome to the dark heart of Nigeria, where the shadows hold secrets that few dare to uncover. Here is a list of some of the Most Wicked Tribes in Nigeria
1. The Fulani
Nomads of the Sahel, the Fulani have roamed the vast expanses of West Africa for centuries. Fulani has been attributed as the most wicked tribe in Nigeria due to the incessant killings by some people from this part of the country. News reports of Fulani herdsmen killings and attacks on farmlands in different villages have left many people from other southern states living in constant fear of this dangerous group.
Most Fulani groups live a nomadic lifestyle and are mostly cattlemen. They don’t stay in one place but move from one place to the other. They are often seen with a stick and weapon (machete or dagger) taking with them their herd (cows, goats, and sheep). They make money through trade and are known to have cultural discipline.
Predominantly, Islam is the major religion of this group as they are found in the northern part of the country. Fulani-speaking states include some parts of Gombe, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Yobe states. It would shock you to know that those miscreants trying to rubbish the Fulanis are just 9% out of the majority as they are also peace-loving people if you go close to them.
2. The Ogoni
The Ogoni tribe stands accused of various transgressions, including acts of violence, abduction, and other illicit activities. Notably, a prominent figure, as reported online, described the Ogonis as one of Nigeria’s most malevolent tribes, highlighting a disturbing trend of callousness within their community. According to this source, the value of human life in Ogoni territory appears negligible, with individuals seemingly capable of driving others to madness at the drop of a coin—illustrated by the claim that one can induce insanity in another for a mere N500.
Our inquiry into the Ogoni people and the aforementioned misconduct attributed to them reveals a backdrop of governmental neglect. For years, the Ogoni community has been subjected to egregious violations of their human rights. Between 1976 and 1991 alone, an alarming 2,976 oil spills, amounting to approximately 2.1 million barrels of oil, befouled Ogoniland—constituting around 40% of the Royal Dutch/Shell company’s total oil spills worldwide.
The consequences of this environmental degradation are dire. As per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 200 sites in Ogoniland have become barren wastelands due to oil contamination, gas flaring, and toxic waste discharge. Such pollution has rendered vast swathes of fertile land infertile, making agriculture unsustainable. Moreover, even seemingly untouched areas conceal insidious dangers, with groundwater tainted by high levels of hydrocarbons and carcinogenic benzene, surpassing WHO safety guidelines by a staggering 900-fold, imperiling human health.
In 1993, when the Ogoni people attempted to peacefully protest against the contractors responsible for despoiling their lands and waters, the Nigerian government’s Mobile Police forcefully intervened to suppress the unrest, exacerbating tensions in the region.
3. The Ijaw
Dwelling in the labyrinthine waterways of the Niger Delta, the Ijaw people are intimately connected to the lifeblood of Nigeria—oil. Yet, beneath the veneer of wealth lies a tale of exploitation and marginalization. Frustrated by the plunder of their natural resources, some Ijaw have taken up arms in defiance, challenging the status quo with a ferocity born of desperation.
4. The Hausa-Fulani
A symbiotic union forged through centuries of trade and conquest, the Hausa-Fulani alliance wields unparalleled influence in Nigerian politics. Yet, this dominance has also bred resentment among other ethnic groups, who view them as interlopers imposing their will upon the nation.
5. The Igbo
While the Igbos have gained renown as the wealthiest tribe in Nigeria, attributed to their astute business acumen, they also bear the reputation of being among the most difficult tribes in the nation today. Despite being predominantly situated in five Igbo-speaking states within Nigeria, their influence extends far beyond national borders, with diaspora communities dispersed across the globe.
Curious as to why the Igbos are deemed among Nigeria’s wicked tribes? Well, some individuals within this tribe have garnered notoriety for engaging in fraudulent activities and other criminal endeavors on an international scale, tarnishing the nation’s image. A cursory examination of individuals implicated in fraud and drug smuggling cases by countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Dubai reveals a disproportionate representation of the Igbo community.
Driven by an insatiable pursuit of wealth, many Igbos are willing to resort to unethical means to achieve financial prosperity. Shockingly, some resort to engaging in rituals or “blood money” schemes involving their kin to amass riches. Engage in a conversation with an average Igbo individual, and you may encounter sentiments expressing a lack of solidarity within their community, characterized by a pervasive sense of selfishness.
The infamous case of Obinwanne Okeke, a Nigerian entrepreneur widely known as Invictus Obi, currently embroiled in an $11 million advanced internet scam investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), serves as a stark illustration. Notably, Okeke hails from the Igbo ethnic group, adding fuel to the perception of criminality associated with this tribe.
Furthermore, the Igbos have endured their fair share of injustices inflicted upon them by both the federal government and other ethnic groups. From the harrowing Nigeria-Biafra civil war, marked by widespread massacres and the displacement of millions of Igbo people, to their marginalized political representation and the brutal crackdown on peaceful Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members, the Igbo-speaking populace has been subjected to systemic discrimination and defamation. Indeed, such treatment has fostered animosity towards the Igbo community, rendering them the most vilified ethnic group in the country.
6. The Yoruba
If your quest leads you to seek out one of Nigeria’s most hazardous tribes, you need not search any further, for the Yoruba tribe has earned its place on the list of the most wicked tribes in Nigeria. In this region, instances of jungle justice are disturbingly frequent. Youths engaging in violent altercations, involvement in cult activities, theft, abduction, child sexual assault, and the pernicious influence of corrupt politicians shaping societal norms are all phenomena intertwined with this ethnic group. Additionally, reports of the use of human body parts for ritualistic or cultural practices further underscore the unsettling reality associated with the Yoruba tribe.
7. The Kanuri
Guardians of a storied legacy, the Kanuri people trace their lineage back to the medieval kingdom of Kanem-Bornu. Today, they find themselves at the forefront of Nigeria’s battle against insurgency, as Boko Haram seeks to impose its radical ideology on the populace. Yet, amidst the chaos, the Kanuri remain steadfast in their determination to preserve their way of life.
8. The Ibibio
Masters of ritual and ceremony, the Ibibio people inhabit the lush forests of Nigeria’s southeastern coast. Yet, behind the facade of cultural vibrancy lies a history of internal strife and conflict. As traditional beliefs collide with the forces of modernization, the Ibibio grapple with the challenges of preserving their heritage in a rapidly changing world.
9. The Edo
If your inquiry pertains to locating the Nigerian state harboring the highest concentration of cult members, practitioners of witchcraft, members of the Ogboni fraternity, and kidnappers, your search concludes with Edo State. Not only does this state bear witness to such alarming phenomena, but it also holds a reputation for harboring individuals characterized by greed and malevolence. Incidents of familial, inter-communal, and inter-village conflicts leading to bloody altercations are regrettably commonplace within this state.
10. The Itsekiri
Navigators of the Niger Delta, the Itsekiri people have long served as intermediaries between the coastal communities and the outside world. Yet, their strategic location has made them targets for exploitation by outside forces seeking to control the region’s vast resources. Despite the challenges they face, the Itsekiri remain resilient, drawing strength from their ancestral ties to the land.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Nigeria’s most wicked tribes, one thing becomes abundantly clear, their stories are as diverse as the land they call home. From the windswept plains of the Sahel to the labyrinthine waterways of the Niger Delta, each tribe bears witness to the complexities of Nigerian society. Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, there exists a glimmer of hope, a shared desire for unity and understanding. So, as we bid farewell to this captivating journey, let us reflect on the lessons learned and the bridges built between cultures. After all, it is through understanding and empathy that we can truly appreciate the rich tapestry of Nigerian heritage.
Read Also: 10 major tribes in Nigeria and their languages
