Benue State is located in the North-Central region of Nigeria and was created on February 3, 1976. It is known as the “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its vast agricultural production. The state is blessed with fertile land and a rich cultural heritage. The capital city of Benue State is Makurdi, a major commercial and administrative center. The state is home to major ethnic groups such as the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede people. Benue State is known for its production of yam, rice, cassava, maize, and soya beans, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s food supply. Discover Benue State, Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation,” with its 23 Local Government Areas and headquarters. Learn about its rich culture, major ethnic groups, agriculture, tourism, and the capital city, Makurdi.
Benue State: Overview and Local Government Areas
List of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State and Their Headquarters
Benue State consists of 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Below is the list of LGAs and their respective headquarters:
| S/N | Local Government Area (LGA) | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ado | Igumale |
| 2 | Agatu | Obagaji |
| 3 | Apa | Ugbokpo |
| 4 | Buruku | Buruku |
| 5 | Gboko | Gboko |
| 6 | Guma | Gbajimba |
| 7 | Gwer East | Aliade |
| 8 | Gwer West | Naka |
| 9 | Katsina-Ala | Katsina-Ala |
| 10 | Konshisha | Tse-Agberagba |
| 11 | Kwande | Adikpo |
| 12 | Logo | Ugba |
| 13 | Makurdi | Makurdi |
| 14 | Obi | Obarike-Ito |
| 15 | Ogbadibo | Otukpa |
| 16 | Ohimini | Idekpa |
| 17 | Oju | Oju |
| 18 | Okpokwu | Okpoga |
| 19 | Otukpo | Otukpo |
| 20 | Tarka | Wannune |
| 21 | Ukum | Sankera |
| 22 | Ushongo | Lessel |
| 23 | Vandeikya | Vandeikya |
Largest Local Government Areas in Benue State
Benue State, located in North-Central Nigeria, is known as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” Some LGAs in the state cover large land areas, making them important for agriculture and population settlement. The table below shows the largest LGAs.
| Local Government Area | Headquarters | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Katsina-Ala | Katsina-Ala | 2,402 |
| Gboko | Gboko | 2,264 |
| Guma | Gbajimba | 2,882 |
| Logo | Ugba | 1,408 |
| Ukum | Sankera | 1,514 |
Smallest Local Government Areas in Benue State
Some LGAs in Benue State occupy smaller land areas but remain vital due to their dense population, cultural importance, and economic activities. The table below highlights the smallest LGAs.
| Local Government Area | Headquarters | Area (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Ohimini | Idekpa | 632 |
| Tarka | Wannune | 371 |
| Gwer East | Aliade | 799 |
| Obi | Obarike-Ito | 456 |
| Ushongo | Lessel | 1,228 |
Interesting Facts About Benue State
- Agriculture: Benue is one of Nigeria’s leading producers of yam, rice, cassava, maize, and fruits. The state celebrates the New Yam Festival, which showcases its agricultural heritage.
- Cultural Diversity: The state is home to the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede ethnic groups, each with unique languages, traditions, and festivals.
- Tourism: Benue State has several natural and cultural attractions, including Ikyogen Hills, Montane Games Reserve, and River Benue, which serves as a major waterway for transportation and fishing.
- Education: The state hosts several higher institutions, including Benue State University (BSU) and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM).
- Economic Activities: Apart from farming, Benue is involved in fishing, pottery, and local crafts. The state also has a growing trade sector.
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Conclusion on the Local Government Areas in Benue State
Benue State is a vital part of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, with Makurdi as its capital. With 23 Local Government Areas, the state boasts a rich cultural heritage, a strong farming economy, and a variety of tourist attractions. It remains one of Nigeria’s most important food-producing regions.
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Revision Questions and Answers on Benue State LGAs
- How many Local Government Areas (LGAs) are there in Benue State?
- Answer: 23
- What is the capital city of Benue State?
- Answer: Makurdi
- Which LGA has its headquarters in Gboko, a major town in Benue State?
- Answer: Gboko LGA
- What is the headquarters of Katsina-Ala LGA?
- Answer: Katsina-Ala
- Which LGA is known for its headquarters in Otukpo, a commercial center in Benue State?
- Answer: Otukpo LGA
- What is the nickname of Benue State due to its agricultural productivity?
- Answer: The Food Basket of the Nation
- Which major river flows through Benue State, providing water for irrigation and transportation?
- Answer: River Benue
- Which ethnic groups are the major inhabitants of Benue State?
- Answer: Tiv, Idoma, and Igede
- What is the headquarters of Guma LGA?
- Answer: Gbajimba
- Which natural attraction in Benue State is known for its scenic hills and wildlife reserve?
- Answer: Ikyogen Hills