Top 10 Biggest Local Government in Benue State
Benue State, located in North-Central Nigeria, is known as the “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its rich agricultural resources and fertile lands. The state is home to diverse ethnic groups, predominantly the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede peoples. Comprising 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Benue plays a vital role in regional development, politics, and agriculture. Among these LGAs, some stand out due to their size, population, economic contribution, and strategic importance. This article explores the top 10 biggest Local Government Areas in Benue State, highlighting their key features, socio-economic significance, and what makes them unique.
MAKURDI
Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most influential LGAs in the state. Serving as the administrative and political nerve center, Makurdi is strategically located on the banks of the River Benue and hosts the state government headquarters, federal institutions, and several private enterprises.
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Makurdi’s prominence is further enhanced by its role as a major transportation hub with road, rail, and water transport systems. The LGA is home to Benue State University, Federal University of Agriculture, Nigerian Air Force Base, and numerous industrial and commercial establishments. The area has experienced rapid urbanization, making it a melting pot of cultures and a center of economic activity. Its large population, infrastructural development, and political influence make it a pivotal part of Benue’s development landscape.
OKPOKWU
Okpokwu LGA is another major player in the socio-political and agricultural structure of Benue State. It is predominantly inhabited by the Idoma people and serves as an administrative and cultural center in the southern part of the state.
The headquarters of Okpokwu is in Okpoga, and the LGA encompasses several towns and villages known for their vibrant cultural heritage and agricultural productivity. The area is rich in crops like yam, cassava, and maize, and has a growing population actively engaged in farming and trade. The presence of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and evolving infrastructure contributes to its prominence. Okpokwu’s strategic location makes it a gateway between Benue and neighboring states, enhancing its economic and logistic relevance.
GBOKO
Gboko, often regarded as the traditional capital of the Tiv people, is one of the largest and most culturally significant LGAs in Benue State. It serves as the headquarters of the Tiv Nation and is home to the Tor Tiv, the paramount traditional ruler of the Tiv people.
The LGA is a major agricultural hub, producing large quantities of crops such as yam, millet, soybeans, and groundnuts. Gboko is also noted for its industrial potential, especially in cement production, with the Dangote Cement Plant situated in nearby Tse-Kucha. The area boasts modern markets, a bustling town center, and a lively cultural scene. Gboko’s mix of tradition and modernization places it high on the list of Benue’s most dynamic LGAs.
OTUKPO
Otukpo is widely recognized as the political and cultural headquarters of the Idoma ethnic group. It plays a critical role in the southern region of Benue State and has historical significance due to its role in early missionary and colonial activities.
Otukpo is a vibrant urban center with considerable infrastructural development, including schools, hospitals, and government institutions. The LGA is known for its religious harmony and is home to both Christian missions and traditional worship centers. Otukpo’s strategic location along major road networks gives it strong commercial appeal. Its influence extends beyond politics into culture and commerce, making it one of the most important LGAs in Benue.
APA UGBOKPO
Apa LGA, with its headquarters in Ugbokpo, is another key area within the Idoma-speaking region of Benue State. Though less urbanized than Otukpo, Apa is rich in culture and natural resources. The people are predominantly farmers and traders, cultivating crops such as cassava, melon, and yam.
Ugbokpo, the administrative hub, is gradually developing into a town with better infrastructure and growing commercial activities. Apa’s geographical location connects it to other major LGAs and neighboring states, facilitating trade and mobility. Despite being rural, the LGA’s large land area and population give it a prominent place among the largest LGAs in the state.
KATSINA-ALA
Katsina-Ala is one of the oldest and largest LGAs in Benue State, both in terms of landmass and historical relevance. It is located in the eastern axis of the state and serves as a vital link between Benue and Taraba States.
The LGA is blessed with fertile soil, making it a key agricultural zone known for rice, yam, and cassava production. Katsina-Ala also has a vibrant river port on the River Katsina-Ala, which is a tributary of the River Benue. The town itself is bustling with commercial activities, and the area has produced several notable political and traditional leaders. Its size, resources, and historical significance contribute to its place as one of the biggest LGAs in Benue.
OHIMINI IDEKPA
Ohimini LGA, with its headquarters at Idekpa, may not be as urbanized as Makurdi or Gboko, but it holds its own in terms of size and community importance. Located in the southern belt of the state, Ohimini is predominantly occupied by the Idoma people.
The LGA is largely agrarian, with fertile lands suitable for growing yams, rice, and vegetables. Its population is actively involved in farming and small-scale trading. Ohimini also values its educational development, with several secondary schools and community institutions. Though relatively quiet and less industrialized, Ohimini’s landmass and growing developmental strides qualify it as one of Benue’s significant LGAs.
TARKA WANNUNE
Named after the late Senator Joseph Tarka, a prominent Nigerian politician, Tarka LGA holds political and symbolic value in Benue State. Its headquarters is in Wannune, a town that has steadily evolved into a center of administration and commerce.
Tarka is centrally located, making it accessible to other parts of the state. It benefits from a rich agricultural base and a community known for academic excellence and political activism. The LGA is experiencing gradual urbanization with increasing investments in infrastructure and social services. Its historical relevance and developmental trajectory make it one of the standout LGAs in the state.
UKUM LESSEL
Ukum LGA, with its headquarters in Lessel, is a major LGA in the northeastern part of Benue State. It is predominantly inhabited by the Tiv people and is known for its vast land area and agricultural productivity.
The people of Ukum are industrious farmers producing crops like yam, millet, and soybeans in commercial quantities. The LGA has also seen a rise in local industries and educational institutions. Despite its rural outlook, Ukum’s population density and landmass make it a strong contender among the largest LGAs in the state. It also plays a key role in the local economy due to its extensive agricultural contributions.
GWER EAST ALIADE
Gwer East LGA, with Aliade as its administrative headquarters, is a large and important area in the central part of Benue State. It is a stronghold of the Tiv ethnic group and is known for its strategic location and agricultural productivity.
Aliade town is a growing urban area with access to basic infrastructure, schools, markets, and healthcare facilities. Gwer East’s landmass accommodates numerous farming communities that produce staple crops like maize, groundnut, and cassava. The LGA’s geographical spread and growing economic activities make it one of the most significant contributors to Benue’s agricultural economy.
Conclusion
The local governments listed above are not only the biggest in Benue State in terms of land area or population but also in cultural, economic, and political relevance. From the urban dynamism of Makurdi to the agricultural prowess of Ukum, and the cultural heritage of Otukpo and Gboko, each LGA plays a vital role in shaping the identity and progress of Benue State. Understanding these LGAs helps in appreciating the state’s diversity, resources, and development potential, reinforcing Benue’s status as a central player in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
