Block of Flats in Benue

Benué is a state in the mideast region of Nigeria with a population of about 2.8 million in 1991. Idoma and Tiv, are spoken predominantly. There are other ethnic groups, including Igede, Etulo and Abakwa. With its capital at Makurdi, Benué is a rich agricultural region; some of the crops grown there are potatoes, cassava, soya bean, guinea corn, flax, yams and beniseed.

Benué State is named after the Benué 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 Benué state (mostly igala area), along with areas in Kwara state, were carved out to become part of the new Kogi State. Traces of Igbo people and tribes are found in the boundary areas of Ebonyi state and Enugu state in local government areas like the Obi, Oju etc.