History of Benue

Benue State is a state located in north-central Nigeria. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several ethnic groups, including the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. The state capital is Makurdi, and other major cities include Gboko, Otukpo, and Ogbadibo. The state is known for its agriculture, specifically the production of yams, cassava, rice, and maize. It is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Tiv cultural festival and the Idoma Yam festival.
Benue State was created in 1976 from the former Benue-Plateau State during the regime of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed. The state is named after the Benue River, which runs through it. The state has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several ethnic groups, including the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede.

The Tiv people, who make up the largest ethnic group in the state, have a long history in the area, with evidence of their presence dating back to the 11th century. The state was also home to several powerful precolonial kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Idoma and the Kingdom of Otukpo.

During the colonial period, the state was part of the British protectorate of Northern Nigeria. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the state became part of the newly formed country. Since then, it has been governed by various civilian and military regimes, and has experienced periods of political and economic instability.

In recent years, the state has been affected by communal conflicts and herdsmen-farmers clashes which has resulted in loss of lives and properties. Despite these challenges, the state government has been working to improve security and promote economic development, with a focus on agriculture and tourism.

Location
Benue State is located in north-central Nigeria. It is bordered by the states of Nasarawa to the west, Taraba to the east, Cross River to the south, and Kogi to the north. The state is situated between latitudes 7.5 and 9.5 degrees North and longitudes 7.5 and 10.5 degrees East. The Benue River, which gives the state its name, runs through the state and is a major source of water for the state's agricultural activities. The state covers an area of 34,059 square kilometers and has a population of about 4.25 million people.

People
Benue State is home to several ethnic groups, including the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. The Tiv people make up the largest ethnic group in the state, followed by the Idoma and Igede.
Each ethnic group has their own language, culture and tradition.
The Tiv are known for their rich cultural heritage, including the Tiv cultural festival, which is celebrated annually to showcase the Tiv people's customs, traditions, and way of life. The Idoma people are known for their rich cultural heritage, including the Idoma Yam festival which is celebrated to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to honor the god of yam. The Igede people are known for their rich cultural heritage, including the Igede-ewe festival, which is celebrated annually to showcase the Igede people's customs, traditions, and way of life.
Additionally, there are other ethnic groups in Benue state such as the Jukun, Yoruba, Hausa, Efik, Igala, and many more.
Benue state people are known for their warm and friendly nature, as well as their strong sense of community.
Benue State is home to several ethnic groups and tribes, including:

Tiv: The Tiv people are the largest ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language have had a significant influence on the state's culture.

Idoma: The Idoma people are another large ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

Igede: The Igede people are another ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

Jukun: The Jukun people are another ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

Ebira: The Ebira people are another ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

Okpokwu: The Okpokwu people are another ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

Agatu: The Agatu people are another ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

Otukpo: The Otukpo people are another ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

Gwer: The Gwer people are another ethnic group in the state, and their culture and language are also an important part of the state's cultural heritage.

These ethnic groups and tribes have their own distinct cultures, languages, and traditions, which contribute to the rich cultural heritage of the state. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage and history, and as such, there are several notable places of interest in the state that reflect the rich cultural heritage of these tribes and ethnic groups

Cultural Heritage
Benue State is known for its rich cultural heritage. The state is home to several ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs, traditions, and way of life.

The Tiv people, who make up the largest ethnic group in the state, have a rich cultural heritage that includes the Tiv cultural festival, which is celebrated annually to showcase the Tiv people's customs, traditions, and way of life. The Tiv traditional dances, music and art are known to be unique, vibrant and captivating.

The Idoma people are also known for their rich cultural heritage, including the Idoma Yam festival which is celebrated to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to honor the god of yam. The Idoma people have a rich tradition of art and craft, including carving, weaving, and pottery.

The Igede people are known for their rich cultural heritage, including the Igede-ewe festival, which is celebrated annually to showcase the Igede people's customs, traditions, and way of life. The Igede people have a rich tradition of music and dance, including the Efik-Igede dance and the Ochogbo dance.

In addition, Benue state is known for its rich history, archaeology and architecture with many ancient sites, historical landmarks and monuments such as the Idakwo-Michael Okpara tomb, the Tiv traditional Council of Chiefs palace, the Tiv traditional religion monument, the first Christian church in Tiv land and many more.

Benue state is also known for its rich art and craft, which includes traditional pottery, sculpture, textiles, and metalwork. The state government has been promoting the arts and crafts industry as a way to preserve the state's cultural heritage and to create economic opportunities for the people.

Some of the major festivals celebrated in the state include:

Tiv Cultural Festival - This festival is celebrated annually by the Tiv people to showcase their customs, traditions, and way of life. The festival features traditional dances, music, and art and is celebrated to promote unity and peace among the Tiv people.

Idoma Yam Festival - This festival is celebrated by the Idoma people to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to honor the god of yam. The festival features traditional dances, music, and art and is celebrated to promote unity and peace among the Idoma people.

Igede-Ewe Festival - This festival is celebrated by the Igede people to showcase their customs, traditions, and way of life. The festival features traditional dances, music, and art and is celebrated to promote unity and peace among the Igede people.

Ochogbo Dance Festival - This festival is celebrated by the Igede people to showcase the Ochogbo dance, which is a traditional dance of the Igede people. The festival features traditional music and dance and is celebrated to promote unity and peace among the Igede people.

Ipusu Festival - This is celebrated by the Jukun people of Benue state, it is to honor the god of fertility and to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Tse-Torkwase Festival - This is celebrated by the Torkwase people of Benue state, it is to honor the god of fertility and to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

These festivals are major events in Benue state and attract a large number of people from all over the country and abroad, they are also an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state and promote tourism.

Notable Places
Benue State is known for its rich cultural heritage and history, and as such, there are several notable places of interest in the state. Some of the most notable places in the state include:

Idakwo-Michael Okpara Tomb - The tomb of the late Michael Okpara, a former Prime Minister of Nigeria is located in the state. The tomb is a historical landmark and a major tourist attraction in the state.

Tiv Traditional Council of Chiefs Palace - The palace is the traditional seat of the Tiv traditional council of chiefs and is an important historical landmark in the state.

Tiv Traditional Religion Monument - This monument is dedicated to the traditional religion of the Tiv people and is an important historical landmark in the state.

First Christian Church in Tiv land - The church is located in Gboko, it is the first church built by the Tiv people, it has a great historical significance and attracts a large number of tourists.

The Benue State University - The University is located in Makurdi, it is the first state university in Nigeria and is an important educational institution in the state.

The Benue State Government House - The government house is located in Makurdi, it is the seat of the state government and is an important political landmark in the state.

The Makurdi Modern Market - The market is located in Makurdi, it is the largest market in the state and is an important economic center in the state.

The Wannune hills - The Wannune hills are located in Guma Local Government area of the state and are known for their natural beauty, as well as for being home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles and monkeys.

The Akume Atongo Game Reserve - The reserve is located in Guma Local Government area of the state. It is a popular spot for bird watching and wildlife viewing.

The Otukpo-Obudu mountain range - The mountain range is located in the state and is known for its natural beauty and as a popular spot for hiking and trekking.

These are just a few of the notable places of interest in Benue State, there are many more places to explore, such as the natural and scenic beauty, museums, parks and other historical and cultural landmarks in the state.

Traditional Rulers
Benue State is home to several traditional rulers who play an important role in the cultural and political life of the state.

The Tor Tiv - The Tor Tiv is the traditional ruler and spiritual leader of the Tiv people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Benue State. He is considered the paramount ruler of the Tiv people and is responsible for preserving their cultural heritage and promoting unity among the Tiv people.

The Och'Idoma - The Och'Idoma is the traditional ruler and leader of the Idoma people, another large ethnic group in Benue State. He is responsible for preserving the cultural heritage of the Idoma people and promoting unity among them.

The Och'Igede - The Och'Igede is the traditional ruler and leader of the Igede people, another large ethnic group in Benue State. He is responsible for preserving the cultural heritage of the Igede people and promoting unity among them.

The Ohinoyi of Ebira - The Ohinoyi is the traditional ruler of the Ebira people, another ethnic group in Benue State. He is responsible for preserving the cultural heritage of the Ebira people and promoting unity among them.

The Och'Jukun - The Och'Jukun is the traditional ruler of the Jukun people, another ethnic group in Benue State. He is responsible for preserving the cultural heritage of the Jukun people and promoting unity among them.

These traditional rulers play an important role in the cultural and political life of the state, they are respected and hold a lot of influence in the state. They are also important figures in the state's tourism industry as many tourists visit their palaces to learn about their culture and tradition.

Educational Institutions
Benue State is home to a number of educational institutions, including:

Benue State University: This is the main public university in the state, located in Makurdi, the state capital. It was established in 1992 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Arts, Sciences, Law, Medicine, and Engineering.

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi: This is a federal university located in Makurdi, it was established in 1988. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, and Social Sciences.

College of Education, Oju: This is a college of education located in Oju, it was established in 1978. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Education, and has the mandate to train teachers for the state.

College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makurdi: This is a college of health sciences and technology located in Makurdi, it was established in 1978. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Medical Laboratory Science.

Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo: This is a polytechnic located in Ugbokolo, it was established in 1979. It offers undergraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Engineering, Sciences, Business, and Social Sciences.

College of Education, Katsina-Ala: This is a college of education located in Katsina-Ala, it was established in 1978. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Education, and has the mandate to train teachers for the state.

College of Education, Wannune: This is a college of education located in Wannune, it was established in 1978. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Education, and has the mandate to train teachers for the state.

Benue state has several other tertiary institutions both public and private that offers diploma, certificates and degrees in various field of study. These educational institutions help in developing and providing the state with skilled workforce, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the state.

Notable People

Benue State is home to a number of notable people, who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:

Gabriel Suswam: He is a Nigerian politician who served as the Governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015. He was also a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency.

Aper Aku: He is a Nigerian politician who served as the Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007. He was also a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the Gboko Federal Constituency.

Terhemen Tarzoor: He is a Nigerian politician who served as the Deputy Governor of Benue State from 2007 to 2015. He was also a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency.

David Mark: He is a Nigerian politician and retired military officer who served as the President of the Senate of Nigeria from 2007 to 2015. He represented Benue South Senatorial District from 1999 to 2015.

George Akume: He is a Nigerian politician who is currently a Senator representing Benue North-West in the Nigerian Senate. He was also the Governor of Benue State from 1999 to 2007

Paul Unongo: He is a Nigerian lawyer, businessman and politician, who was a former federal minister of Steel Development.

Joseph Akaagerger: He is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist and politician, who was a former Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture.

Dr. Samuel O. Orton-Affia: He is a Nigerian Medical Doctor and a former Commissioner for Health in Benue State.

Josephine Anenih: She is a Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist who was a former Federal commissioner of Information and Culture.

Michael Ifeanyichukwu Onoja: He is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, who was a former Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Benue state.

Benue state has produced many notable people in different field of endeavour, some of them have contributed to the development of the state and Nigeria as a whole, and have made their marks in their respective fields of expertise.