By Obiabin Onukwugha
Benue state derives its name from the Benue River which is the second-largest river in Nigeria. It is one of the North Central states in Nigeria and was created in 1976 from the former Benue-Plateau state with Makurdi as its capital city. The Benue people speak 14 languages including Tiv, Idoma, Igede, and Etulo languages. Benue state is nicknamed the “Food Basket of the Nation” because it is a rich agricultural state.
Ikyogen Hills
These sprawling hills were developed into a cattle ranch in 1983. The ranch has all-year-round thriving vegetation which is due to the weather condition of the place. This ranch provides steady grazing areas for cattle.
Anwase-Abande Ranges, Kwande
The Anwase-Abande Ranges is a network of great hills, valleys, streams, natural forests, and other natural formations. The ranges stretch as far as the Nigerian- Cameroon border through the Obudu- Cameroon range.
Enemabia Warm Spring
This is the only natural warm spring in Benue state. A good soak in the spring can rejuvenate one’s mind and body. The beautiful thing is that the spring is open night and day to visitors and tourists interested in grabbing a taste of the spring’s magic.
Ikwe Holiday Resort
One will find this resort that is surrounded by green vegetations soothing. The resort incorporates the wonders of nature in its services and this makes it unique amongst others. It is a great travel spot for tourists who crave to have privacy while being surrounded by nature.
The Tor Tiv Palace, Gboko
Located at Gboko, this palace is the official home of the Tiv people. One can easily find rich, historical artefacts that tell the history of the Tiv People just lying around begging to be explored.
Montane Games Reserve
The Montane Games reserve is one of the few reserves in the state that accommodates wild and rare animals in their natural state. It’s an attraction for game lovers.
Rare Manatee, Katsina Ala
In this location, one can see the rare African manatee in their natural habitat. Seeing their responses to the presence of people is an experience a tourist would find fascinating.
Dajo Pottery, Makurdi
Although this pottery is privately owned, it has single-handedly made thousands of potteries that are unique in sizes, shapes, and designs for local and international tourists who visit the facility all year round.
River Oyongo and its seven tributaries
It is believed that during the migration of the Igede people from Ora down to their present location, they had a challenge of how to cross over the river. Upon consultation with the spirits, seven women offered themselves to be sacrificed, the river parted ways into seven parts. The seven parts are still visible till today.
The most Sacred Ipinu – Igede
This forest is believed to be the dwelling place or the abode of the ancestors of the Igede people. Far-reaching decisions that need the consultations of the spirits seek pilgrim there.
The Andibilla Hills, Uwokwu Hills, Uchenyim Hills and Ohuma Hills
These hills have waterfalls and are rich in some mineral deposits
Sources: iambenue.com, workaholic.com
