62-620: Makurdi is the capital of Benue State , located in central Nigeria , and part of the Middle Belt region of central Nigeria . The city is situated along the Benue River . In 2017, Makurdi's urban population was 517,342. The town is divided by the River Benue into the north and south banks, which are connected by two bridges: the railway bridge , which was built in 1932, and the new dual carriage bridge commissioned in 1978. The southern part of
124-503: A growing sense of nationality, a true central administration may emerge as part of the journey toward political centralization. Following this, Dan Afoda gained further prominence by leading Tiv delegations to the regular meetings of northern Nigerian chiefs in Kaduna , the regional colonial center. Unfortunately for the British, Audu Dan Afoda passed away in 1945, igniting a wave of demands from
186-529: A growing sense of political awareness among the Tiv. Makurdi emerged as a developing colonial town situated along the River Benue , within Tiv territory. In 1914, Audu Dan Afoda , a Nupe and Hausa-speaking Muslim who had worked as an interpreter and political agent for various British District officers, was appointed the Sarkin Makurdi (Chief of Makurdi). This decision to place a Hausa speaking Nupe in charge of
248-528: A hospital for the public Major agricultural companies are; Oracle farms and feed mills MIVA rice Pure Biotech company limited Benue State is predominantly an agricultural area specialising in cash crops and subsistence crops . Limestone laterite baryte sharp sand . Benue State Benue State is one of the North Central states in Nigeria with a population of about 4,253,641 in
310-453: A letter to D.F.H. Macbride, the acting resident of Benue Province, asking him to appoint a Tor Tiv . However, Macbride rejected the request, citing it as contrary to the British colonial policy. Upon returning from the war, Doki, Makir Zakpe and their fellow soldiers resolved to protest against what they viewed as the imposition of the Hausa caliphate by the British. Ochonu suggests that before
372-586: A population of 10,000 to 19,000 people and includes, Lessel, Ihugh , Naka , Adoka, Aliade, Okpoga, Igumale , Oju , Utonkon, Ugbokolo, Wannune, Ugbokpo, Otukpa , Ugba and Korinya. Most of these towns are headquarters of recently created Local Government Areas and/or district headquarters or major market areas. Some of the headquarters of the newly created LGAs have populations of less than 10,000 people. Such places include Tse-Agberaba, Gbajimba, Buruku , Idekpa, Obagaji and Obarikeito. Apart from earth roads, schools, periodic markets and chemists (local drug stores),
434-466: A predominant hausa speaking section of Makurdi as the most developed part of the town. Between 1914 and 1926, the British government worked to bring the surrounding Tiv districts under the leadership of Dan Afoda. In 1924, they approved the appointment of his hausa messenger, Garuba , as the Village Head of the important Tiv border town of Taraku . By placing Dan Afoda in the top position of ruler of
496-718: A tragic peak in a prolonged period of tension among the Tiv. The British intervened to quell the Makurdi clashes, effectively suppressing the emerging Tiv uprising. Following this, they chose not to appoint a successor to Dan Afoda and opted to distance themselves from the Hausa system of centralized leadership in Tivland to promote peace. Lawrence Igyuse Doki and several Tiv World War II veterans, including Aemberga Samu, Tsenzughul Tyungu, Ishi Wayo, and Gbir Agera, initiated their campaign from Comilla, Bangladesh (formerly part of India). They sent
558-450: A “chief of Tiv,” the Resident at the time expressed a similar educational perspective regarding Dan Afoda's role as a symbol and tool of political guidance. He felt that Dan Afoda’s mission to politically educate the Tiv was still incomplete, noting that Central Administration was yet at its infancy in Tivland. However, he also believed that gradually, as higher education progresses alongside
620-411: Is Makurdi . Benue is a rich agricultural region; common crops cultivated in the state include oranges , yams, mangoes , sweet potatoes , cassava , soya bean , guinea corn , flax , sesame , rice , groundnuts and palm trees . Benue State is a legacy of an administrative entity that was carved out of the protectorate of northern Nigeria at the beginning of the twentieth century. The territory
682-445: Is Victoria bus company , Zaamo transport company , Valgee Transport company. There is the airport in Makurdi at the airforce base. It handles national flights. The only airline for now is Air Peace Makurdi contains the base for the; Nigerian Air Force 's CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder , MiG 21 and SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft squadrons The Nigerian army 72nd Special Forces Battalion The Nigerian Navy has presence in Makurdi and
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#1732852550207744-675: Is encountered. Here, the terrain is characterised by steep slopes, deep incised valleys and generally rugged relief. Elsewhere, gradients average less than 4°. River Benue is the dominant geographical feature in the state. It is one of the few large rivers in Nigeria. The Katsina-Ala is the largest tributary, while the smaller rivers include Mkomon , Amile , Duru , Loko Konshisha , Kpa , Okpokwu , Mu , Be , Aya , Apa Ogede and Ombi . The flood plains which are characterised by extensive swamps and ponds are good for dry season irrigated farming. Though Benue State has high drainage density many of
806-464: Is home to Benue State University ; University of Agriculture, Makurdi ; Nigeria Army School Of Military Engineering, Makurdi; and Akawe Torkula Polytechnic , ATP, Makurdi. There are secondary schools located in Makurdi including Government Secondary School, North-Bank , Special Science Senior Secondary School , Tilley Gyado College, North-Bank, Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School , Government College, and Government Girls' Secondary School. Makurdi
868-738: Is located in the North Central region of Nigeria , has a total population of 4,253,641 in the 2006 census , with an average population density of 99 persons per km . This makes Benue the 9th most populous state in Nigeria. However, the distribution of the population according to Local government areas shows marked duality. There are areas of low population density, such as Guma , Ohimini , Tarka, Apa , Logo and Agatu , each with less than seventy persons per km , while Vandeikya , Ukum, Kwande, Otukpo, Okpokwu , and Gboko have densities ranging from 160 persons to 200 persons per km . Makurdi LGA has over 380 persons per km2. The males are 49.8 percent of
930-663: Is located on the banks of Benue River , a major tributary of the Niger River . It can be reached by air, rail, road and water. It is on the main narrow gauge railway line running north from Port Harcourt . Until a road rail bridge was built in 1932, a train ferry was used to cross the Benue river. By road, the major Northern route is the Makurdi – Lafia – Jos road . The southern routes are Makurdi – Otukpo – Enugu and Makurdi – Yandev – Adikpo – Calabar roads . Traffic from
992-516: Is still a challenge. Important cash crops include soybeans , rice, peanuts, mango varieties , citrus , etc. Other cash crops include palm oil , melon, African pear , chili pepper , tomatoes etc. Food crops include Yam , Cassava , Sweet potato , Beans , Maize, Millet , Guinea corn , Vegetables etc. There is very little irrigation agriculture and techniques. Animal production includes: Cattle, Pork, Poultry and Goat but no dairy and dairy products yet. The Zaki Ibiam International Yam Market
1054-454: Is the biggest market for a single product in Nigeria. Banking services are available as all the banks in Nigeria have branches in the state, with the Central Bank of Nigeria having its regional headquarters in Makurdi. Dangote Cement Company is a private company that operates within the state and provides a little employment to the people. This is a rough estimated employment percentage in
1116-882: Is the second largest river in Nigeria after the River Niger . The state borders Nasarawa State to the North; Taraba State to the East; Kogi State to the West; Enugu State to the South-West; Ebonyi and Cross-Rivers State to the South; and has an international border with Cameroon to the South-East . It is inhabited predominantly by the Tiv , Idoma and Igede people. Minority ethnic groups in Benue are Etulo , Igbo , hausa and Jukun people etc. Its capital
1178-540: Is −0.08% lower than Nigeria's averages. The state receives about 135.2 millimeters (5.32 inches) of precipitation and has 160.01 rainy days (43.84% of the time) annually. Based on Köppen climate classification , Benue State lies within the AW climate and experiences two distinct seasons, the Wet season and the Dry season . The rainy season lasts from April to October with annual rainfall in
1240-566: The Archdiocese of Abuja : The Anglican Province of Abuja in the Church of Nigeria includes the Dioceses of Makurdi (1990) with 25 parishes led by Bishop Nathan Inyom (1990), Gboko (2009) led by Bishop Emmanuel Nyitsse , and Otukpo (1996) led by Bishop David Bello (2004). The N.K.S.T. Church is another major church in the state. The headquarters is at Mkar, Gboko . It is the first church in
1302-716: The Tiv and idoma people are farmers while the inhabitants of the river areas engage in fishing as their primary or important secondary occupation. The people of the state are famous for their cheerful and hospitable disposition as well as rich cultural heritage. Benue State consists of twenty-three (23) Local Government Areas and the Tiv occupy 14, the Idoma occupy 7, the Igede occupy 2 . They are: The Benue State Government accords high respect to traditional rulers in recognition of their role as custodians of culture and as agents of development. Also, their roles in enhancing peace and order at
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#17328525502071364-690: The Tiv , 7 for the idoma and 2 for the igede . Senatorial Zone A has; Tiv in all 7 local governments. The Etulo have a small community in Katsina Ala The hausa have small communities in Katsina Ala and Zaki biam Senatorial zone B has; Tiv in all 7 local governments The Etulo and Nyifon have small communities in Buruku . The Jukun community is along the river bank at Abinsi village in Makurdi local government. The hausa have 2 large communities in Makurdi city . They live in
1426-408: The Tiv people in the Makurdi area highlighted the British commitment to using Hausa as a key principle of Indirect Rule in the Middle Belt . It supports Mahdi Adamu’s claim that the Hausa ethnic unit…is an assimilating ethnic entity and the Hausa language a colonizing one. More hausa speaking railway workers migrated into the small Makurdi village and it gradually transformed having Wadata area,
1488-562: The Tor Tiv (Tiv King) as chairman of all the traditional rulers from the Tiv dominant Local Government Areas, while the latter has the Och' Idoma ( Idoma king) as the chairman of all the traditional rulers from the Idoma dominant Local Government Areas. The State Council of Chiefs has the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Professor James Ayatse (Tor Tiv V) ( ), with Och'Idoma and all second class Chiefs/Chairmen of
1550-399: The governor of Nigeria , Sir Arthur Richards had to reconsider the Tiv veterans' demand for a king. The unrest ultimately disrupted the planned dynastic rule of Audu Dan Afoda in Makurdi, resulting in the election of a new Tor Tiv in person of Makir Zakpe who was also in league with Doki. The enthronement of a Tiv chief did not lead to further conflicts or divisions between the Tiv and
1612-400: The 2006 census . The state was created in 1976 and was among the seven states created at that time. The state derives its name from the Benue River initially called Ber-nor , a compound word in Tiv language which means river or lake of hippopotamus ( ber meaning river or lake, while nor is the name for hippopotamus) the name Ber-nor was corrupted to BENUE by colonial masters, the river
1674-615: The Federal Medical Centre, Nigeria Railway Station, Benue Printing and Publishing Company Limited, Radio Benue, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Nigerian Postal service, Benue Hotels Makurdi, Benue Plaza hotel, Benue State University, Benue State Breweries etc. The North bank area of the town houses among other establishments, the Federal University of Agriculture, the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering,
1736-429: The Hausa control of the courts, political power and landed property…scarcely could the Tiv secure plots of land or find accommodation in Makurdi when they were in transit. In 1945, the sudden death of Audu Dan Afoda, the Sarkin Makurdi, prompted the British to hastily attempt to crown his son as his successor. This action led to the Makurdi riots of 1946, which were spearheaded by Lawrence Igyuse Doki . To restore order,
1798-519: The Hausa, nor was there any animosity; the two groups continued to live together peacefully. Every resident, whether Tiv or Hausa, enjoyed the fundamental rights of citizenship. The rise of Alhaji Al-Hassan Maikeke as the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Council in 1998 was a reflection of the strong relationship between the two tribes. The major ethnic groups are the Tiv , Idoma , hausa , Igede , Jukun , Agatu , Etulo , Alago , Igbo . Makurdi
1860-538: The Local Government Traditional Council as members. Benue State possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage which finds expression in colourful cloths, exotic masquerades, supplicated music and dances. Traditional dances from Benue State have won acclaim at national and international cultural festivals. The most popular of these dances include Ingyough , Ange , Anchanakupa , Swange and Ogirinya among others. The socio-religious festivals of
1922-723: The Makurdi Club, Railway Club, Police Club and Air Force Club, where, apart from the sale of drinks and snacks, various types of games are played. There is a standard Arts Theatre, a modern Sports Complex which includes the Aper Aku Stadium , which has provisions for such games as tennis, basketball, volleyball and handball, an indoor sports hall and Olympic size swimming pool in Makurdi. Smaller stadia exist in Gboko (J. S. Tarka Stadium), Katsina-Ala , Adikpo , Vandeikya and Otukpo . The BCC Lawn Tennis tournament attracts players from all over
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1984-756: The Tertiary and possibly the Interglacial periods of the Quaternary glaciation , the Benue and Niger Valleys, otherwise known as the Niger/Benue trough, were transgressed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean . As a result, marine sediments form the dominant surface geology of much of Benue State. Benue State is blessed with abundant mineral resources. These resources are distributed in the Local Government Areas of
2046-411: The Tiv for a Tiv successor to take his place as the supreme chief. The British's initial attempt to appoint a relative of the deceased chief, another hausa along with the Tiv's perception that the hausa wielded excessive influence in colonial Tivland, led to street riots in Makurdi in 1946. These riots quickly escalated into violent confrontations between the Hausa and Tiv communities in Makurdi, marking
2108-408: The Tiv, the British aimed to teach the Tiv about centralized emirate-style leadership. In 1926, D.F.H. Macbride, the Resident of Benue Province, emphasized the importance of this sub-colonial guidance, noting that Audu Dan Afoda’s chieftaincy was still useful, as the expectation that it would exert an educational influence on the Tiv is being fulfilled. In 1937, as calls grew for the appointment of
2170-562: The Tiv, the Tiv Day, marriage ceremonies and dance competitions (e.g. Swange dance) are often very colourful. Kwagh-Hir is a very entertaining Tiv puppet show. Social life in Benue State is also enriched by the availability of diverse recreational facilities. Apart from parks, beaches, dancing and masquerades mentioned above, the big hotels in Makurdi , Gboko and Otukpo are equipped with several indoor sporting facilities. There are golf clubs,
2232-601: The Wadata neighborhood and North bank neighborhood. Senatorial Zone C has; The Idoma in 7 local governments The Igede in 2 local governments and few other communities in other local governments. The Orring have a few communities, The Igbo have a few communities at the bothering local governments with Enugu state state, The Akweya have a few communities too. The state is populated by several ethnic groups: Tiv , Idoma , Igede , Etulo , Ufia Orring , Abakpa, Jukun , Igbo , Akweya , hausa and Nyifon . Most of
2294-431: The absence of capital funds, basic infrastructure and the frequent political changes. The location of Benue State in the centre of the country plus the presence of bridges on two large rivers, the Benue River and Katsina-Ala River , make the state a major cross-roads centre. The present government has shown commitment to the construction of roads within the state capital Makurdi and other major roads leading in and out of
2356-654: The country. Benue State has three teams in the professional soccer ranks, Lobi Stars F.C. in Division One, BCC Lions FC in Division Two, Mark mentors as the basketball premier league team. Languages of Benue State listed by LGA: Other languages spoken in the State include Korring Etulo , Nyifon , Basa , Jukun (including Wannu ), and Utugwang Irungene Afrike . Igbo is also spoken in border areas. The Roman Catholic Church has 2,354,410 followers in four suffragans of
2418-624: The creation of Benue State in 1976. Benue towns can be categorised into three groups. The first group consists of those with a population of 80,000 to 500,000 people. These include Makurdi , the State Capital, Gboko and Otukpo the "headquarters" of the two dominant ethnic groups (125,944 and 88,958 people respectively). The second group comprises towns with a population of between 20,000 and 50,000 people and includes Katsina-Ala , Zaki-Biam , Vandeikya and Adikpo . These are all local government headquarters. The third category comprises towns with
2480-620: The grassroots level are also recognised. To enhance their contribution to the affairs of the state, government has established a three-tier traditional council system made up of Local Government Area Traditional Councils, Area Traditional Councils and the State Council of Chiefs with the Tor Tiv (Tiv King) as chairman. The two Area Councils are the Tiv Traditional Council and the Idoma Traditional Council. The former has
2542-587: The headquarters of the Benue Province . As a river port, it drew the establishment of trading depots by companies like United Africa Company of Nigeria (UAC) and John Holt plc . Its commercial significance grew even more with the completion and opening of the Railway bridge in 1932. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Tiv people from nearby communities and towns moved to Makurdi, contributing to its distinct Tiv urban identity. This migration also fostered
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2604-544: The headquarters of the 72 Airborne Battalion, Akawe Torkula Polytechnic (ATP) and the State Headquarters of the Department of Customs and Excise. Owing to its location in the valley of River Benue, Makurdi experiences warm temperatures most of the year. The period from November to January, when the harmattan weather is experienced is, however, relatively cool. Makurdi can be reached by air, rail, road and water. By road,
2666-462: The lower river Benue trough in the middle belt region of Nigeria. Its geographic coordinates are longitude 7° 47' and 10° 0' East. Latitude 6° 25' and 8° 8' North; and shares boundaries with five other states namely: Nasarawa State to the north for 231 km (partly across the Benue River), Taraba State to the east for 235 km, Cross-River State to the south for 96 km, Enugu State to
2728-452: The major northern route is the Makurdi – Lafia – Jos road . The southern routes are Makurdi – Otukpo – Enugu and Makurdi – Yandev – Adikpo – Calabar roads . Traffic from the west comes through Makurdi – Naka Benue Nigeria – Adoka - Ankpa – Okene roads and from the east through Makurdi – Yandev – Katsina Ala – Wukari roads . Makurdi, a town founded in the early 1920s, rose to prominence in 1927 when it became
2790-647: The new Kogi State . Igbo people are found in the boundary areas like the Obi , Oju and Ado Local Government Areas. It is known as the "Heartbeat of the Middle Belt" and the "Entertainment Capital of the Middle Belt " north of the Niger River . Otukpo , the Idoma people's traditional and administrative capital, is also known as the Lion's Heart and the Land of the Brave. Benue State, which
2852-412: The oldest towns in the state and are growing at a much faster rate than the smaller younger towns. Makurdi doubles as the capital of the state and the headquarters of Makurdi LGA, while Gboko , Otukpo and Oju double as the local government and ethnic headquarters (i.e. for Tiv , Idoma , and Igede). All the roads in the state radiate from these three centres. As an administrative unit, Benue State
2914-553: The people, colourful dances, dresses and songs are also of tourist value. The Alekwu ancestral festival of the Idoma people, for instance, is an occasion when the local people believe their ancestors re-established contact with the living in the form of masquerades. The Igede Agba is a Yam Festival, marked every year in September by the Igede people of Oju and Obi local government areas. Among
2976-628: The range of 100-200mm. The dry season begins in November and ends in March. Temperatures fluctuate between 21 – 37 degrees Celsius in the year. The south-eastern part of the state adjoining the Obudu-Cameroun mountain range, however, has a cooler climate similar to that of Plateau State . Much of Benue State falls within the Benue Valley/trough which is believed to be structurally developed. During
3038-673: The region and the first encounter with Christianity by the Tiv people Agriculture forms the backbone of the Benue State economy, engaging more than 70 per cent of the working population. This has made Benue the major source of food production in the Nation. Experts say that it can still be developed because most of the modern techniques are not yet popular to majority of Nigerian farmers. Mechanization and plantation agriculture/agro-forestry are still at its infancy. Farm inputs such as fertilizers, improved seed, insecticides and other foreign methods are being increasingly used. However, cost and availability
3100-589: The riots, the Tiv effectively kept the Hausa-Fulani Caliphate agents at bay by closely monitoring their activities along the borders of Tivland, attacking their isolated outposts and trade caravans, engaging with them strategically, and establishing a formidable military presence based on the notorious Tiv poisoned arrow . According to Makar, the Tiv, Resented the Hausa influence in Makurdi Town although they did not object to their presence. The Tiv resented
3162-434: The rural areas are largely used for farming, relying on the urban centres for most of their urban needs. Benue State has no problem of capital city primacy. Rather, three towns stand out very clearly as important urban centres which together account for more than 70 per cent of the social amenities provided in the state and almost all the industrial establishments. These centres are Makurdi , Gboko and Otukpo . They are among
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#17328525502073224-540: The south-west for 84 km, and Kogi State to the west for 153 km. The state also shares a common boundary for 22 km with the Nord-Ouest Province , claimed by both Ambazonia and the Republic of Cameroon on the south-east. Benue occupies a landmass of 34,059 square kilometres. Benue state has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate . The city's yearly temperature is 29.38 °C (84.88 °F) and it
3286-529: The southern parts of the state is characterised by forests, which yield trees for timber and provide a suitable habitat for rare animals types and species. The state thus possesses potential for the development of viable forest and wildlife reserves. The land is generally low lying (averaging 100m-250m) and gently undulating with occasional inselbergs , Knoll , Laterite etc. It is only at the boundary area with Cameroon , also Kwande and Oju Local Government Areas that hilly terrain with appreciable local relief
3348-600: The state. Of these mineral resources, only Limestone at Tse-Kucha, Gboko and Kaolinite at Otukpo are being commercially exploited. Other mineral deposits include Baryte , Gypsum , Feldspar , Wolframite , Kaolinite , mineral salts and Gemstone etc. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of Benue State, engaging over 75% of the state's workforce. Prominent crops include Yam , Rice, Beans , Cassava , Sweet potato , Maize, Soybean , Sorghum , Millet , Sesame , Cocoyam etc. The state also accounts for over 70% of Nigeria's Soybean production. The vegetation of
3410-456: The state. The roads are in an excellent condition. Two Federal Highways connect the Eastern States to the North and Northeast. Other major roads include: Gwer East Gwer East is a Local Government Area of Benue State , Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Aliade. It has an area of 2,294 km and a population of 163,647 at the 2006 census. The postal code of
3472-567: The state: 75% are farmers, 10% traders, 6% civil servants, 9% private. Benue State has the capacity to support a wide range of industries using local agricultural and mineral resources although potentials are yet to be exploited. Private initiatives in commerce and industry, particularly by indigenes, is as also on a small scale and is limited to carpentry, shoe repairs and manufacturing, small scale rice mills, leather and plastic industries, weaving, printing, catering, block making, food processing, etc. Industry and commerce have been greatly retarded by
3534-413: The streams are seasonal. Hence, there is an acute water shortage in the dry season in Local Government Areas such as Guma , Okpokwu , Ogbadibo , Gwer West ( Naka, Nigeria ) and Oju . This river system has great potential for a viable fishing industry, dry season farming through irrigation and for an inland water highway. Benue is divided into 3 senatorial districts and 23 local government areas 14 for
3596-461: The total population while females constitute 50.2 per cent. Benue State region was depleted of its human population during the slave trade . It is largely rural, with scattered settlements mainly in tiny compounds or homesteads, whose population range from 630 people, most of whom are farmers. Urbanization in Benue State did not predate the colonial era. The few towns established during colonial rule remained very small (less than 30,000 people) up to
3658-637: The town is made up of several neighborhoods or wards; the Central Ward, Old GRA, Ankpa Ward, Wadata, High Level, Wurukum (Low Level), New GRA, Nyiman layout, Achusa etc. Important establishments and offices located here include the Government House, The State Secretariat, The Federal Secretariat, The Central Bank of Nigeria Regional headquarters, Commercial Banks, Telecommunication companies, Police Headquarters, Nigeria Prisons Service, Aper Aku Stadium , Nigeria Air force Base, Makurdi, The Makurdi Modern Market,
3720-496: The western and Eastern parts of the country come through Makurdi – Naka Benue Nigeria – Adoka - Ankpa – Okene roads Traffic from the South-south and parts of South East come through Makurdi – Yandev – Katsina Ala – Wukari roads . There are regular commercial transport company linking Makurdi to the neighboring towns like; Benue links , Pleasure travels and flight travel company. For luxurious travels, there
3782-447: Was first created on 3 February 1976. It was one of the seven states created by the military administration headed by General Murtala Mohammed , which increased the number of states in the country from 13 to 19. In 1991, its boundaries were re-adjusted with the creation of Kogi State . The new Benue State of today has twenty-three (23) local government areas, which are administered by local government councils. Benue State lies within
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#17328525502073844-533: Was initially known as Munshi Province until 1918 when the name of its dominant geographical feature, the Benue River was adopted. Benue State is named after the Benue River and was formed from the former Benue-Plateau State in 1976, along with Igala and some part of Kwara State . In 1991, some areas of Benue state (mostly the Igala -speaking area), along with areas in Kwara State , were clubbed together to form
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