Igboid · Nigeria’s peoples

Ika

The Ika of north-western Delta State, around Agbor, Owa, Umunede and Igbodo, speak Ika, an Igboid language.

At a glance

Where do the Ika people live?: Their homeland is in Ika North East and Ika South in Delta State, across 2 local government areas.
What language do the Ika speak?: Ika, a language of the Igboid family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Igboid).

Overview

The Ika of north-western Delta State, around Agbor, Owa, Umunede and Igbodo, speak Ika, an Igboid language. Wikipedia counts them among the Anioma and western Igbo; the Onu Ika endorsed the 2025 Anioma stand against being placed in the South East, and some Ika identify as a distinct people.^[2],[3]High confidence

Where the Ika 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.

Delta
- Ika North East(Homeland)
- Ika South(Homeland)

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

Communities beyond the homeland

Agbor

Ika South, Delta State: Agbor-Obi, Agbor-Alidima, Orogodo, Agbor-Nta, Abavo, Ekuku-Agbor, Idumuoza, Ekwuoma, Oki, Omumu.^[4],[5]High confidence

Headquarters of Ika South.^[4]

Owa and Ekwuoma

Ika North East, Delta State: Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero, Owa-Ekei, Ekwuoma, Mbiri, Umunede, Otolokpo, Ute-Enugu, Ute-Erumu.^[6],[5]High confidence

Owa-Oyibu is the headquarters of Ika North East; Ekwuoma is a kingdom under its Ajeh, and Mbiri's ruler is titled Obi.^[6]

Language

Ika, a language of the Igboid family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Igboid). ISO 639-3: ikk.^[1]High confidence

Sources

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