Benue State

Benue is an administrative territory in the central part of Nigeria, covering more than 34,000 square kilometers (13,100 square miles). Over four million people live here distributed across towns and rural areas, with agriculture playing a central role in daily life.

This administrative territory was created on February 3, 1976, under General Murtala Mohammed's administration. It formed from the division of the former Benue-Plateau entity, reflecting the political reorganization of that era.

The name comes from the Benue River, which the Tiv originally called Ber-nor, meaning river of hippopotamuses in their language. This name reflects the earlier connection between people and the wildlife that lived along the waterway.

The climate shifts between the rainy season from April to October and the dry season from November to March. These conditions influence daily life and travel possibilities throughout the territory.

The Tiv, Idoma, and Igede groups preserve their own languages and ceremonies. Each community maintains traditions visible in festivals, music, and handicrafts.

Location: Nigeria

Inception: February 3, 1976

Capital city: Makurdi

Shares border with: Nasarawa State, Taraba State, Cross River State, Ebonyi State, Enugu State, Kogi State

Website: https://benuestate.gov.ng

GPS coordinates: 7.33333,8.75000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:02