Otukpo

Otukpo local government area is domiciled in Benue state, North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria and has its headquarters in the town of Otukpo. The LGA is bordered by the Apa, Ohimini, Ado, and Olamaboro LGAs with the LGA made up of several towns and villages such as Allen, Adoka-icho, Adoka Ehaji, Entekpa, Icho, Adoka, Ogboju, and Otobi. The estimated population of Otukpo LGA is put at 199,009 inhabitants with the area mostly inhabited by the Idoma people. The Idoma language is commonly spoken in the LGA while the religion of Christianity is widely practiced in the area. The paramount traditional ruler of the Idoma people known as the Och’Idoma resides in Otukpo LGA with notable landmarks in the LGA being the the Palace of the Och’idoma and the Burnt Bricks Nigeria Limited. Otukpo LGA is regarded as the capital of the Idoma Nation.

GEOGRAPHY OF OTUKPO

Otukpo LGA has an average temperature of 29 degrees centigrade and is mostly characterized by grassy and flat topography. The LGA witnesses two distinct seasons which are the dry and the rainy seasons with the total precipitation of the area put at an estimated 1550 mm of rainfall per annum. Otukpo LGA also has a few hills and the area is well forested.

ECONOMY OF OTUKPO

Otukpo LGA is widely renowned for its rich agricultural heritage with crops such as yam, maize, cassava, beniseed, soybeans, and millet grown in large quantities within the area. A number of minerals such as kaolin are found in the LGA. Other important economic enterprises undertaken by the people of Otukpo LGA include animal rearing, trade, and lumbering.

HISTORY OF OTUKPO

Otukpo LGA was created in the year 1976.