Historical Background of Bende

Bende is a Local Government Area (LGA) in Abia State, Nigeria, with its administrative headquarters located in Bende town. Geographically, Bende LGA lies at 7°30′ East of the Greenwich Meridian and 5°30′ North of the Equator. The area is made up of thirteen (13) communities, including Alayi, Bende, Ezukwu, Igbere, Item, Itumbuzo, Nkpa, Ntalakwu, Ozuitem, Ugwueke, Umu-imenyi, Umuhu-Ezechi, and Uzuakoli.

According to the 2016 population census, Bende LGA had a population of 192,621 people. The region is known for its tropical agricultural climate, making it a major rice-producing area in Abia State. It shares borders with Cross River State, Afikpo, and Ohaozara to the north; Arochukwu and Ohafia to the south; Ikwuano LGA to the east; and Umuahia LGA to the west. The primary economic activity in Bende is agriculture, with most residents engaged in farming, fishing, and livestock rearing.

Climate

Bende experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season is generally hot, humid, and partly cloudy, while the wet season is warm, overcast, and often oppressive. The average annual temperature ranges between 67°F (19°C) and 87°F (31°C), rarely dropping below 60°F (16°C) or exceeding 90°F (32°C).

Cloud Cover

The clearest period in Bende occurs from November 24 to February 11, with December being the clearest month, where the sky is clear or partly cloudy 41% of the time. Conversely, the cloudiest period lasts from February 11 to November 24, with May being the cloudiest month, experiencing overcast conditions 86% of the time.

Precipitation

Bende experiences significant rainfall variations throughout the year. The wet season lasts for approximately 7.4 months, from March 27 to November 8, with a daily precipitation probability exceeding 45%. September is the wettest month, averaging 25.4 rainy days.

The dry season spans 4.6 months, from November 8 to March 27, with January having the fewest rainy days, averaging only 1.4 days of precipitation. The most common form of precipitation is rain, peaking at an 86% probability on September 11. Snowfall is virtually non-existent in Bende due to its tropical location.

Localities in Bende LGA

Some of the notable towns and villages within Bende include:

  • Agbamuzu
  • Agbo-mmiri
  • Alayi
  • Ama-ogwu
  • Amaediaba
  • Amaoba
  • Amorji-Imenyi
  • Amaozara
  • Bende (town)
  • Etiti
  • Ezeukwu
  • Iluoma Nzeakoli
  • Igbere
  • Item
  • Isiegbu
  • Lodu Imenyi
  • Ndi-ekeugo
  • Ndiokorukwu
  • Nditoti
  • Nkpa
  • Obuohia
  • Ogo Ubi
  • Okporoenyi
  • Okputong
  • Onuinyang
  • Ovum Ugwu Nkpa
  • Ukpom
  • Umuokoro
  • Umuorie
  • Ugwueke

Notable Personalities from Bende

Several influential figures in politics, finance, and governance hail from Bende, including:

  • Arunma Oteh – Former Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Chair of the Royal African Society (appointed in July 2021).
  • Benjamin Kalu – Politician and member of the House of Representatives, representing Bende Federal Constituency.
  • Orji Uzor Kalu – Former Governor of Abia State and a prominent Nigerian politician.

Conclusion

Bende Local Government Area is a historically significant and agriculturally rich region in Abia State. With its strategic location, fertile lands, and abundant rainfall, it plays a crucial role in the state’s agricultural economy. The area’s diverse communities, rich cultural heritage, and influential personalities make it a vital part of Abia State’s development and governance. As Bende continues to grow, its agricultural sector, economy, and political influence remain key pillars of its socioeconomic progress.