Idomoid · Nigeria’s peoples

Igede

The Igede are native to Oju and Obi LGAs in southern Benue, next to Ebonyi and Cross River.

At a glance

Where do the Igede people live?: Their homeland is in Obi and Oju in Benue State, across 2 local government areas. They are also a large share of Ado in Benue State.
What language do the Igede speak?: Igede, a language of the Idomoid family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Idomoid).

Overview

The Igede are native to Oju and Obi LGAs in southern Benue, next to Ebonyi and Cross River. Igede is spoken by about 461,000 people in lower Benue and Cross River. Their tradition traces them to Ora in present-day Edo State, by way of Nsukka.^[3],[2]High confidence

Where the Igede live

Local government areas by state. Homeland: the group is the majority. Shared area: a large share of a mixed area. Smaller presence: present, but a small share.

Benue
- Obi(Homeland)
- Oju(Homeland)
- Ado(Shared area)
Cross River
- Ogoja(Smaller presence)
- Yala(Smaller presence)

Areas are approximate and show where people live. They are not claims of land ownership.

Communities beyond the homeland

Oju

Oju, Benue State.^[8],[7]High confidence

On the southern edge of Benue State. Igede was only brought under British control in 1922, and Ogbuloko Inawo led an Igede rising against the British from 1926 to 1929.^[7]

Language

Igede, a language of the Idomoid family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Idomoid). ISO 639-3: ige.^[1],[2]High confidence

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).