This article will review the biggest cities and towns in Benue state, Nigeria.
Benue state is one of the mid-sized states in Nigeria by landmass.
It is a state that is located in North Central geo political zone of Nigeria.
Benue state borders Nasarawa State to the North, Taraba State to the East, Kogi State to the West, Enugu State to the South-West, Ebonyi and Cross-Rivers States to the South and has an international border with Cameroon to the South-East.
According to 2006 population census, the population of Benue state was estimated to be about 4,253,641.
Although,this population have grown tremendously over the past 16 years.
Benue state was created in the year 1976 and the name of the state was coined from River Benue, one of the major rivers in Nigeria.
Benue state is made of multiple ethnic groups of which Tiv, Idoma and Igbede are the major ethnic groups in Benue state.
Benue state is one of the states in Nigeria with rich fertile land and it is one of the major agriculture inclined states in Nigeria.
Hence, Benue state is called food basket of the nation to buttress its rich agricultural heritage.
The North Central state is made up of 23 local government areas and over 100 towns and autonomous communities.
The agrarian state has few major cities scattered across the state.
These are major towns in Benue state with highest population, infrastructure and development.
So, in this post we will be listing the largest towns and cities in Benue state.
Biggest Cities & Towns in Benue
It is also exciting when cities are not concentrated in one part of the state.
This the case with Benue state where cities in Benue state is located in different parts of the state.
This article will be of immense aid to those seeking to move in and settle in Benue state.
Here is the list of Benue state largest towns and cities.
Makurdi
Makurdi is the capital of Benue state and the biggest city and town in Benue state.
Makurdi as at 2006 is estimated to have a population of about 300,000 residents.
The current population of Makurdi is estimated at about 2 million residents.
The city of Makurdi is on the south bank of the Benue River.
This Benue biggest city houses the two biggest universities in Benue state which is Benue state university and University of agriculture Benue state.
The average cost of hotel accommodation in Makurdi is N7000 per night.
It is the town in Benue with the biggest population and choicest residential areas and markets too.
Makurdi is relatively warm most part of the year except during harmattan season of December to February.
Gboko
Gboko is the second biggest city and town in Benue state.
It is one of the most commercialised cities in Benue state. Gboko is very rich in natural resources such as limestone,Yandev.
The is majorly dominated by Tiv ethnic groups and non-indigenes of the state.
Markets in Gboko is also massive and is a place of high economic activities.
Otukpo
Otukpo is the third largest city and town in Benue state. The city connects Idoma and Igedeland in Benue state.
It is easily one of the best places to live in Benue state because of presence of basic infrastructure and amenities.
Otukpo is heavily dominated by Idoma and Igbede people.
Accomodation in Otukpo is relatively cheap and has high presence of people of other ethnic nationalities such as Igbos, Hausas and Yourbas.
It is one of the most populous towns in Benue state.
Katsina-Ala
Katsina-Ala is one of the biggest towns in Benue state and is also a local government in Benue state.
It at this popular town in Benue state that the A344 highway starts.
Also, significant economic and commercial activities is witnessed in this town.
They are very rich in agricultural produce like yam , oranges and other farm produce.
It is one of the top 5 towns in Benue state with high population clusters.
Adikpo
Adikpo is one of the biggest and developed cities in Benue state which is not so much talked about.
Adikpo is usually called “London” because of its high infrastructure and development compared to other parts of Benue state.
The town has one of the best weather conditions in Benue state which is usually very cool.
Adikpo is the headquarters of Kwande local government area of Benue state and is equally among top Benue cities and towns.
Ugbokolo
Ugbokolo is another major town with high population in Benue state. It is a town dominated by farmers,civil servants and businessmen.
It is the town where Benue state polytechnic is located at.
There is existence and presence of some federal government institutes in the town like Lion Science & Technical Academy (LSTA).
Oju & Obi
This another one of top biggest towns in Benue state.
It is also one of the most popular towns in the state because of its rich cultural heritage and presence of some government institutions like College of Education which was later lost after creation of Kogi state.
Oju & Obi town in Benue state is highly dominated by Igede people and they are very accommodating too.