Kwande Local Government Area

Kwande Local Govt Area, formerly known as an, Intermediates area, created by D.O. J MacBridge, with the then headquarters at Manor. In September, 1976, it became one of the local government created under the Military government of General Murtala Mohammed.

Headquarters:

Adikpo, also called “London”, as known for the friendly weather with a high-level of urbanisation.

A journey through Kwande links you through to, Cameroun by foot, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom States, Ushongo town, Ugbema town, Katsina-Ala, Zaki-Biam to Taraba and Adamawa States.

The Spiritual and cultural heritage is traced to Jato-Aka town, named after the legendary Tor Jato Aka who was appointed by the colonial masters and custodian of the “Akombo”, the Tiv deity.

Geographical location:

East-South of Benue State

Area code:

WDP

Landmass:

2,744 Sq Km

Distance from Makurdi, the State Capital:

149 Km approximately, 1hour 30mins

Population:

345,850 (based on 2006 census)

Languages:

Tiv

English

Predominant Occupation:

Farming,

Civil service, and

Trading.

Mineral resources:

Zinc,

Table salt, and

Precious stones

Boundaries:

Cameroon,

Taraba,

Cross-River, and

Akwa-Ibom States

Council wards:

Kwande consist of 15 council wards which includes:

  1. Adikpo Township council ward
  2. Liev I council ward
  3. Liev II council ward
  4. Mbaduma council ward
  5. Mbagba/Mbakyan council ward
  6. Mbaikyor council ward
  7. Mbaketsa council ward
  8. Manev council ward
  9. Tondov I council ward
  10. Tondov II council ward
  11. Usar council ward
  12. Mbayoo council ward
  13. Yaav council ward
  14. Moon council ward
  15. Kumakwagh council ward

Major Towns:

Adikpo,

Jato-Aka, and

Ikyogen, Koti

Markets:

  • Adikpo,
  • Jato-Aka (every Saturday),
  • Chigba,
  • Gbajir,
  • Amahundu,
  • Adagi,
  • Manyam,
  • Koti-Shangev-Ya,
  • Ikyaor,
  • Ichol,
  • Ihonam,
  • Iyon,
  • Achia,
  • Kookoko,
  • Ada,
  • Adu,
  • Gese,
  • Wanbegha,
  • Gube,
  • Ikor,
  • Ajio,
  • Abande,
  • Ikyogen,
  • Nyihemeba,
  • Achagbe,
  • Aga (Saturdays),
  • Diiv (Mondays),

* Most of the markets fall after every four days.

Agricultural Produce:

Kwande is known for high production of cash crops like:

Cassava (garri),

Soya Beans,

Rice,

Mango,

Groundnuts, and

Sweet potatoes.

Traditional institutions:

HRH Chief Hilary Ikima,

Ter Kwande (2nd Class Chief),

District Heads,

Clan, and

Kindred Heads.