List Of LGAs In Benue State, Capital, And LGA Chairmen

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What Is The Capital Of Benue State, Nigeria?

The capital of Benue State, Nigeria, is Makurdi. It is located in central Nigeria and is part of the Middle Belt region, which sits on the south bank of the Benue River.

The city was established in 1927 and became the capital of Benue State in 1976. Makurdi has a population of around 365,000 people, and the major ethnic groups in the area include the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Jukun, Agatu, Etulo, Alago, and Igbo.

There are several educational institutions in the city, including Benue State University, the University of Agriculture, Nigeria Army School Of Military Engineering, and Akawe Torkula Polytechnic.

Makurdi also has secondary schools like Government Secondary School, North-Bank, Special Science Senior Secondary School, and others.

However, the climate in Makurdi varies throughout the year. It has hot temperatures, with the highest temperatures reaching around 39.5°C. The city also experiences rainy seasons, with an average precipitation of 1237 mm.

Transportation in Makurdi includes bus services connecting it to neighboring towns, a railway line running north from Port Harcourt, and an airport.

Makurdi also has military bases for the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces. Agriculture is essential in Benue State, with a focus on cash crops and subsistence crops. Resources like limestone and marble can also be found in the city.

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What Are The Most Developed LGAs In Benue State?

Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo are the most developed towns in Benue State These urban centers are important in the state’s development, attracting residents, businesses, and investment.

Makurdi

As the capital of Benue State, Makurdi holds significant political and administrative weight. Housing the state government offices and headquarters for different ministries, it’s a hub for bureaucratic activity.

Besides its administration, Makurdi is a thriving commercial center. The city’s location at the confluence of the Benue and  Dorbam rivers has boosted trade for centuries.

Makurdi boasts bustling markets, major banks, and a growing number of businesses across diverse sectors. The city also serves as a transportation hub, with an airport connecting it to other Nigerian cities.

Gboko

Gboko, the traditional headquarters of the Tiv people, Benue State’s largest ethnic group, is a center of culture and history.

The city houses the prestigious Benue State University, a major educational institution attracting students from across Nigeria. Gboko also has a rich artistic heritage, known for its traditional crafts, pottery, and vibrant dance forms.

The city plays a significant role in agriculture, with its fertile lands supporting the cultivation of crops like yams, cassava, and rice.

Otukpo

Otukpo, the town of the Idoma people, another major ethnic group in Benue State, is a growing commercial center.  Located along major transportation routes, Otukpo is a path to the Idoma region.

The city is known for its yams, a major agricultural product, and a burgeoning trade scene.  Otukpo is also gaining recognition for its potential in the tourism sector, with scenic natural landmarks like the Agbaji Plateau attracting visitors.

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Reference Sources:

• Benue State Government Website
• National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Nigeria
• Wikipedia – Benue State