Benue State and State creation
Written by Anwo Iordepuun Godfrey
Benue State is one among the leading states fronting for the creation of new states. Benue State is bidding for the creation of Apa (Zone C) and Katsina Ala (Zone A) States. However, the bid for Apa State seems to be stronger owing to the fact that the Senate President is from that zone. But with the statement of the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review Senator Ike Ekweramadu on the 14th November, 2012 that the National Assembly on its own cannot create new states, I wonder what becomes Benue State’s hope of giving birth to new state(s).
One point that is very pertinent to mention here is the fact that creation of new states creates more job opportunities as there are now more political positions to contest for and more vacant offices to occupy but what about the sudden rise in our recurrent expenditure? I keep on wondering where this will come from. Already most of our states especially in the north are practically bankrupt, so what becomes the hope of the new states?
Again many say the creation of new states removes marginalization, take for instance if Apa State is created, the Idomas will now have the opportunity of ruling as governor but little do they realize that creation of new states results in evolution of more minorities. In Zone C for instance, the Igede are a contending ethnic group that will powerfully come up should Apa State see the light of the day. Even among the Tivs, the dichotomy among the Jechira, Jemgbar, Sankara, Minda to mention but a few is an issue that will become very serious as new states emerge.
In conclusion, let me state categorically that Benue State deserves to be given more states but it is good we realize that more states will not promote peace, unity and harmony among the different ethnic groups, it will not remove the perceived marginalization and it will not eradicate the poverty presently ravaging the masses. What we need to do is make our present Benue State a better place.
3 thoughts on “Benue State and State creation”
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Amuche
First and foremost, the Idomas so yearn for Apa State because it is the only way they can fully be identified among the many tribes in Nigeria politically, culturally, socially and economically.
The Idomas have been marginalized for so many years by their majority Tiv neighbors who filled the number position of Benue State all time.
If Apa State is created, I see peace and development amongst the tribes that makes up the zone c today, which are the Idoma who are the largest tribe, followed by Igede, Akpa, Ufia and Igbo. The Idomas will not have headache with the other minority tribes because, since from time immemorial the Idomas have been sharing everything with these other smaller tribes. That’s why the Idomas are seen as the pacesetter in Benue State today. It is only the Idoma that share their highest traditional title with the rest tribes in Benue State South. That is to say, the Ufia, Igede and Akpa people can become the Och’idoma (King) of the Idoma nation. So if Apa see the light of the day any time soon, the Governorship will be rotated amongst the tribes that makes up the state, the Idomas are not selfish in their dealings. That’s why they are unique in so many ways, and they are the most peaceful people in Benue State and Nigeria with no records of fighting their neighbors.
To this end, I strongly believed that in the nearest future when Apa State is created, the Idoma nation will be more developed because of the unity the enjoy as one peaceful people even before the coming of the state.
Dooga T. Joseph
All we need is development, if Idoma can have state i do not see the worst part.
Peter Oloche David
Apa State: The Long-Awaited Promise and What It Means for the Idoma People—and Nigeria
For decades, conversations around the restructuring of Nigeria’s federation have often returned to one familiar point: the need to ensure that minority groups are not swallowed by the political weight of their larger neighbours. Among the many proposals that have resurfaced over time, the demand for the creation of Apa State—carved primarily from the present Benue South Senatorial District—continues to gather momentum.
For the Idoma people and the other ethnic nationalities within the region, this is more than a political wish. It represents a quest for fair representation, balanced development, and a reimagined future within Nigeria’s federal structure. As the call grows louder, analysts are beginning to highlight the broader national implications of creating a new administrative unit in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
A Stronger Political Voice for a Minority Group
At the heart of the agitation is the issue of representation. The Idoma people have, for several decades, remained numerically disadvantaged within the current Benue structure. With Apa State, they would gain their own governor, independent legislative authority, and a more proportionate share of federal seats.
Political watchers argue that this step could correct long-standing structural imbalances and ensure that policy priorities in the region reflect its unique challenges and aspirations. In practical terms, it means decisions would no longer be filtered through distant political interests but shaped and implemented by leaders who understand the local realities firsthand.
Economic Development That Reflects Local Priorities
State creation in Nigeria often comes with a surge of development activity. Federal presence expands, private sector consultations increase, and donor agencies look toward supporting new institutions. For communities in Apa’s proposed territory—historically underfunded and structurally behind in infrastructure—this could translate into new roads, improved markets, rural electrification, and modern water systems.
Economists note that the Idoma area has vast agricultural potential, large arable land, and unexplored mineral resources. A dedicated state government could map out a development plan tailored to harness these strengths, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
A Government That Lives Closer to the People
One of the strongest arguments for state creation is administrative efficiency. Residents in remote communities across Benue South often complain about the distance—physical and bureaucratic—to government offices in Makurdi. Having a state capital within the region would shorten that gap dramatically.
It means a farmer seeking an agricultural loan, a teacher applying for a posting, or a community asking for emergency assistance no longer has to wait for slow-moving files and distant approvals. Governance becomes immediate, local, and responsive.
Observers say this could also reduce long-standing frustrations that often fuel political apathy and youth disillusionment.
Cultural Identity and the Revival of Heritage
Beyond economics and politics, the creation of Apa State carries deep cultural significance. The Idoma people, one of Nigeria’s vibrant minority groups, have long sought formal platforms to protect their language, promote their arts, and strengthen traditional institutions.
A new state structure could support dedicated cultural agencies, curriculum adjustments in schools, and public programs that celebrate Idoma identity. This isn’t just symbolic—it reinforces social harmony and gives younger generations a stronger sense of belonging.
Addressing Security Concerns in a Troubled Region
The Middle Belt has, in recent years, witnessed serious security challenges ranging from farmer–herder clashes to rural banditry. Local leaders believe that having a state government focused on the peculiar security patterns of the area would improve coordination, surveillance, and community policing.
A new state could establish security task forces, early warning systems, and strengthen collaboration between traditional institutions and law enforcement. This localized approach, analysts argue, is vital in a region where large territories and administrative distance often slow down response times.
Agriculture, Resources, and the Economic Future
Apa State would sit on some of Nigeria’s most fertile agricultural lands, a fact well-known but underutilized. Cassava, yam, grains, fruits, and leafy vegetables thrive naturally across the region, yet many farmers still operate at subsistence levels. A government focused on the region’s agricultural profile could launch agro-processing centers, irrigation projects, and improved seed initiatives.
In addition, geologists have long pointed to the presence of minerals in parts of the region—ranging from limestone to solid industrial minerals. A state-level policy could regulate exploration, ensure environmental protection, and create value chains that benefit local communities.
National Unity and the Strengthening of the Federation
While some fear that new state demands may trigger fresh agitation elsewhere, political experts insist that resolving long-standing minority grievances actually strengthens the federation. Allowing historically marginalized groups to operate within their own administrative space reduces friction, fosters inclusion, and demonstrates that the Nigerian project is capable of accommodating diversity.
The Middle Belt, with its multi-ethnic and multi-faith population, has always played a stabilizing role in Nigeria’s political equation. Recognizing its minorities through administrative restructuring could reinforce that stability.
A Vision for Tomorrow
As Nigeria continues to debate restructuring, state creation, and power distribution, the proposal for Apa State remains a reminder of the nation’s unfinished work in equity and federal balance. For the Idoma people, it represents hope—hope for growth, recognition, and a future where governance is not an abstract idea but a visible reality at their doorstep.
Whether the federal government eventually approves Apa State or not, the agitation has opened up an important conversation about fairness, inclusion, and the evolving shape of Nigerian democracy. And in that conversation, the Idoma voice is clearer, stronger, and more determined than ever.