Ukum

Ukum local government area is situated in Benue state, North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The headquarters of the LGA are in the town of Sankera and the LGA is bordered by the Logo and Katsina Ala LGAs and by parts of Taraba state. Towns and villages that make up Ukum LGA include Zaki-biam, Kyado, Samkera, Jootar, Tine-nune, Gbeji, and Juta. The current estimated population of Ukum LGA is put at 192,341 inhabitants with the area majorly occupied by members of the Tiv ethnic group. The Tiv language is commonly spoken in the LGA while the religions of Christianity and Islam are widely practiced in the area. Notable festivals celebrated in Ukum LGA include the New Yam festival.

GEOGRAPHY OF UKUM

Ukum LGA sits on a total area of 429 square kilometres and has an average temperature of 28 degrees centigrade. The LGA witnesses two distinct seasons which are the dry and the rainy seasons with the average humidity level in the area put at 51 percent.

ECONOMY OF UKUM

Farming is the major occupation of the people of Ukum LGA with the area known for the cultivation of crops such as yam, groundnut, citrus, and maize. Trade is another important aspect of the economy of Ukum LGA with the area hosting several markets such as the Gbeji and the Zaki-biam Yam market which is reputed to be the largest tuber market in the whole of West Africa. A number of minerals which include Salt are also found in Ukum LGA.

HISTORY OF UKUM

Ukum LGA was created on the 31st of October in the year 1991.