Tarka

Tarka local government area is found in Benue state, North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The headquarters of the LGA are in the town of Wannune with the LGA sharing boundaries with the Guma, Gwer, Buruku, and the Gboko LGAs. Towns and villages that make up Tarka LGA include Mbaigba, Tongov, Uchi, Asukunya, Tarhembe, Wannune, Tiortyu, Mbaayo, and Shitile. The estimated population of Tarka LGA is put at 210,823 inhabitants with the majority of the area’s dwellers being members of the Mbakor sub-division of the Tiv ethnic group. The Mbakor dialect of the Tiv language is widely spoken in the LGA while the religions of Christianity and Islam are extensively practiced in the area.

GEOGRAPHY OF TARKA

Tarka LGA occupies a total area of 371 square kilometres and has an average temperature of 27 degrees centigrade. The LGA has substantial forest rivers and has a number of rivers and streams flowing within its territory.

ECONOMY OF TARKA

Farming is the major source of livelihood for the people of Tarka LGA with crops such as beniseed, rice, beans, maize, as well as a host of fruits and vegetables grown in the area. Trade also blossoms in the LGA with the area hosting several markets such as the Wannune and Asukunya markets where a wide variety of commodities arebought and sold. Other economic enterprises undertaken by the people of Tarka LGA include food processing, hunting, and wood carving.

HISTORY OF TARKA

Tarka LGA was created on the 8th of December 1996 from the Gboko LGA.