Benue State, Nigeria: An Overview

1. Geography and Location

• Region: Middle Belt (North-Central) Nigeria.

• Capital: Makurdi.

• Borders: Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Enugu, Kogi, and Ebonyi States.

• Rivers: Benue River (a major tributary of the Niger River) and Katsina-Ala River.

• Landscape: Fertile plains, hills (e.g., Ushongo Hills), and savannah vegetation.

2. History: 

• Creation: Established on February 3, 1976, during General Murtala Mohammed's administrative reforms, carved out of Benue-Plateau State.

• Name Origin: Derived from the Benue River, meaning "Mother of Waters" in the Batta language.

3. Demographics:

• Population: Approximately 5 million people  (2023 estimates)'

• Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Tiv (largest ethnic group), Idoma, and Igede, with minority groups like Etulo and Jukun.

• Language: English (official), Tiv, Idoma, Igede, and others.

• Religion: Christianity (majority), traditional religions, and Islam (minority).

4. Administration:

• Local Government Areas (LGAs): 23 LGAs, including Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, Katsina-Ala, and Vandeikya.

• Governor: Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (as of 2023).

• Senatorial Districts: Benue North-West, Benue North-East, Benue South.

5. Economy:

• Agriculture: Known as Nigeria's "Food Basket," leading in yam, rice, soybeans, sorghum, and citrus production. Major contributor to Nigeria's yam supply.

• Fishing: Active along the Benue and Katsina-Ala rivers.

• Challenges: Poverty, underdeveloped infrastructure, and farmer-herder conflict.

6. Education: 

• Institutions: Benue State University (Makurdi), Federal University of Agriculture, and Federal University of Health Sciences (Otukpo).

7. Culture: 

• Festivals: Yam Festival (Tiv), Alekwu Ancestral Festival (Idoma), Igede Agba Festival.

• Traditional Rulers: Tor Tiv (paramount ruler of the Tiv) and Och'Idoma (leader of the Idoma).

8. Tourism: 

• Attractions: Ikwe Wildlife Park, Benue River resorts, Ushongo Hills, Tor Tiv Palace (Gboko), and historic sites like the Dajo Pottery Centre.

9. Challenges:

• Security: Farmer-herder clashes, banditry (notably in Sankera axis: Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum).

• Development: Infrastructure deficits, healthcare access, and unemployment.

10. Notable Features: 

• Political Influence: A key player in Nigerian politics, producing figures like former Senate Presidents David Mark and Joseph Waku.

• Cuisine: Staple foods include pounded yam, soups (e.g., ashwe), and bushmeat dishes.