13 Interesting Facts About the People of Utonkong Ethnic Group in Nigeria

Nigeria is a rich country where diverse ethnic groups and languages are found. Most of these ethnic groups had either differences or similarities in their culture (i.e. way of life). Nigeria has over 371 ethnic groups, with the Utonkong ethnic group not excluded. This article contains Interesting Facts About the People of the Utonkong Ethnic Group in Nigeria.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Utonkong Ethnic Group

The Utonkong ethnic groups’ people are found in Benue State located in the North Central of Nigeria. Few things or nothing is known about the people of the Utonkong ethnic group because of the numerous Ethnic Groups in Nigeria. This article will reveal some interesting facts about them as a unique ethnic group.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Utonkong Ethnic Group in Nigeria

You can learn interesting facts about the people of the Utonkong ethnic group in Nigeria and also their resident states from the following;

1. State Location

The Utonkong ethnic group is found in Benue State which is among the North Central states with a population of about 4,253,641(2006 census). The state borders Nasarawa state to the North, Taraba to the east, Kogi to the west, Enugu to the Southwest, and Crossriver and Ebonyi to the South. It also has an international border with Cameroon to the southeast.

2. Food production

The Utonkong inhabitants of Benue State are very good in agricultural activities as the state is a rich agricultural region. They specialize in Cripps like mangoes, oranges, rice, yam, cassava, sweet potato, guinea corn, soya beans, groundnut, palm trees etc. Those who live close to the river engage in fishing.

3. Culture is One of the  Interesting Facts About the Utonkong Ethnic Group

It possesses a rich and diverse culture which is expressed in its colourful clothes, masquerade, dance and music which is recognized both nationally and internationally in cultural festivals. Some of the popular dance includes Ogiriyan, Ange, Anchanakupa, Swange, Ingyough

4. Geographical location

The Utonkong ethnic group is found in Benue State. The state is made up of 23 local Government Areas.

5. Settlement pattern and urbanization

Urbanization in Benue State did not predate the colonial era. The few towns established during colonial rule remained very small. The division of Benue State is into three groups; the Utonkong ethnic group is among the third group which comprises towns with populations of 10000 to 19000.

6. Mineral resources;  Interesting Facts About the Utonkong Ethnic Group

Benue State has lots of mineral resources which serve as parts of the State’s revenue sources. They include Limestone, Kaolinite, Gypsum, Gemstone etc.

7. Natural resources

Benue State as a whole is termed the food basket of the nation because of its high agricultural production that runs through all Ethnic Groups in the state. 70% of Nigeria’s soybean production comes from Benue State. Also, 75% of the state population engages in farming.

8. Neighbouring Tribes

The state is also home to other Ethnic Groups and some of the major ethnic groups are Tiv, Idoma, Igede as well as Jukun.

9. Tourism is Among the  Interesting Facts About the Utonkong Ethnic Group

Benue State has beautiful places which serve as tourism centres for tourists. The state also possesses natural attractions which include hills and ranges such as ikyogen, abande etc. At Utonkong, there’s a thick forest with giant trees, the centre which was famous as a slave trade market but is now the site of shrines and a periodic market.

10. Education 

Benue State also has a very solid and good educational system. The state has several institutions which benefit all inhabitants of the state.

11. Family structure

The family structure in the Utonkong ethnic group is not really different from that of other ethnic groups. The father is the head of the family. Average families in the Utonkong ethnic group draw most of their income from farming.

The father works on the farm with support from the wives and children. While the wives trade the produce from the farm in the market in other to get other family needs. Basically, the children support their parents by running errands for them.

12. Occupation;  Interesting Facts About the Utonkong Ethnic Group

The Utonkong ethnic group people are majorly famous for their agricultural activities. They engage in fishing, farming and rearing of animals. Their major occupation is farming.

13. Religion

The major religion in practice in Benue State is Christianity. Only a few per cent of the population practice other kinds of religion like the Traditional religion.

Conclusion 

These are some facts that you should learn about the Utonkong people in Nigeria. They include their location as well as facts about their resident state.

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