Introduction to Taraba State

Taraba State, located in northeastern Nigeria, is a land of rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic communities, and stunning natural landscapes. Named after the Taraba River, which flows through its southern region, the state is fondly referred to as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation” due to its lush greenery, rolling hills, and fertile farmlands. Jalingo, the state capital, serves as the administrative and economic hub, playing a crucial role in governance, commerce, and education.

The state is known for its agricultural productivity, tourism potential, and multicultural society, making it one of the most vibrant and resource-rich states in Nigeria. With its mountainous terrains, game reserves, waterfalls, and thriving traditional festivals, Taraba attracts visitors, researchers, and investors alike.

Ethnic & Cultural Diversity

Taraba State is one of Nigeria’s most ethnically diverse states, with approximately 80 distinct ethnic groups, each with unique languages, traditions, and cultural practices. The people of Taraba are known for their hospitality, traditional festivals, and deep-rooted heritage.

Major Ethnic Groups in Taraba State:

  • Fulani – Found in the northern and central regions, they are known for their cattle herding, dairy farming, and nomadic lifestyle.
  • Mumuye – Predominantly located in the northern region, they engage in farming, weaving, and traditional crafts.
  • Mambilla – Residing in the Mambilla Plateau, they are known for their tea farming, cattle rearing, and unique highland culture.
  • Jukun – Found in the southern region, they are historically linked to the Kwararafa Kingdom and are famous for their warrior heritage and fishing practices.
  • Kuteb – Also located in the southern region, they are known for farming, cultural music, and traditional leadership structures.
  • Karimjo – Residing in parts of the eastern region, they are known for their pottery, farming, and vibrant festivals.
  • Wurkun & Yandang – Found in central and northern areas, they are engaged in agriculture, blacksmithing, and traditional governance.
  • Ndola, Ichen, Jenjo, Tiv, Tigon, and Jibu – Scattered across different parts of the state, they contribute to the cultural mosaic of Taraba through farming, fishing, and artisanal crafts.

Regional Distribution of Ethnic Groups:

  • Northern Taraba: Dominated by Fulani, Wurkun, and Mumuye.
  • Southern Taraba: Home to Jukun, Chamba, Tiv, Kuteb, and Ichen.
  • Central Taraba: Inhabited by Fulani, Mambilla, Ndola, Tigon, Jibu, Wurbo, and Daka people.

The blend of cultures has resulted in a harmonious yet diverse society, with various communities celebrating festivals, traditional dances, music, and oral storytelling that preserve their heritage.

Economic and Geographical Significance

Taraba State boasts a strategic geographical location and a thriving economy driven by:

  • Agriculture – Taraba is a leading producer of crops such as cassava, maize, rice, yams, cocoa, coffee, tea, and groundnuts, thanks to its fertile lands and favorable climate.
  • Livestock Farming – The state is a hub for cattle rearing, poultry, and fish farming, making it a key player in Nigeria’s meat and dairy industry.
  • Tourism & Ecotourism – Home to Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria’s largest game reserve, and the Mambilla Plateau, a scenic highland known for its cool climate and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Trade & Commerce – The state’s markets attract traders from across Nigeria and West Africa, dealing in agricultural produce, textiles, crafts, and traditional artifacts.

Taraba’s vast natural resources, cultural richness, and economic activities make it a unique and significant part of Nigeria’s development landscape.

Historical Background of Taraba State

Taraba State was officially created on August 27, 1991, by the military government of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. It was carved out of the former Gongola State to promote administrative efficiency and regional development. The state derives its name from the Taraba River, which flows through its southern region, enriching its fertile lands and supporting agriculture.

Taraba is often referred to as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation” due to its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant natural resources. The state was historically structured into three major divisions, each with distinct cultural, economic, and historical significance:

1. Wukari Division

Wukari is a historic region deeply rooted in the traditions of the Jukun people, who were part of the legendary Kwararafa Kingdom—one of the most powerful pre-colonial empires in Nigeria. Today, Wukari remains a significant cultural and economic hub, known for:

  • The Aku Uka, the traditional ruler of the Jukun Kingdom.
  • The Wukari Federation University, a growing academic institution.
  • A vibrant trade economy centered on agriculture, fishing, and local crafts.

2. Mambilla Division

The Mambilla Plateau, located in this division, is the highest plateau in Nigeria, with an elevation of over 1,600 meters above sea level. It features a cool climate, rolling green hills, and a picturesque landscape that attracts tourists and researchers. Key highlights of this division include:

  • Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria’s largest wildlife park, home to rare species like the Nigerian chimpanzee.
  • Cattle ranching and dairy farming, which thrive due to the region’s favorable climate.
  • Eco-tourism and adventure tourism, including hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

3. Muri Division

The Muri region has a deep historical significance, having served as a trade and administrative center during the colonial era. It is known for:

  • Diverse ethnic communities, including the Fulani, Mumuye, and Wurkun peoples.
  • Agricultural productivity, with crops such as maize, rice, and groundnuts being widely cultivated.
  • Traditional festivals and cultural celebrations, which attract visitors from across Nigeria.

Taraba State’s Role in Modern Nigeria

Since its creation, Taraba State has played a key role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, producing crops such as cassava, yams, and millet, as well as livestock and dairy products. Its rich cultural diversity, tourism potential, and strategic location make it an important contributor to Nigeria’s economy and heritage.

With its natural beauty, historical significance, and economic opportunities, Taraba State continues to attract investors, tourists, and scholars who seek to explore its vast potential.

Geography & Natural Beauty

The state boasts lush vegetation, rolling hills, and extensive river systems, making it one of Nigeria’s most ecologically diverse regions. With fertile lands and abundant natural resources, Taraba plays a crucial role in agriculture, tourism, and wildlife conservation in Nigeria.

From its picturesque landscapes to its vibrant culture, Taraba State remains a true gem of Nigeria, offering both economic opportunities and a glimpse into the nation’s rich heritage.

Location and Borders

Taraba State is bordered by:
  • West: Nasarawa State and Benue State (109 km boundary).
  • Northwest: Plateau State (202 km boundary).
  • North: Bauchi State (54 km boundary) and Gombe State (58 km boundary).
  • Northeast: Adamawa State (366 km boundary).
  • South: Northwest Region of Cameroon (525 km boundary).

This strategic location makes Taraba a vital link between Nigeria and Cameroon, fostering cross-border trade and cultural exchange.

Rivers and Drainage Systems

Taraba State is blessed with several major rivers that play a crucial role in its ecology and economy:

  1. Benue River: One of Nigeria’s largest rivers, flowing through the state and connecting to the River Niger.
  2. Donga River: Originates from the Cameroonian mountains and drains into the Benue River.
  3. Taraba River: A significant waterway that supports agriculture and fishing.
  4. Ibi River: Flows through the southern part of the state, contributing to the region’s fertile lands.

These rivers rise from the Cameroonian mountains and flow in north and south directions, draining almost the entire length of the state and linking up with the River Niger.

Boat Mishaps in Taraba State

Despite its natural beauty, Taraba State has faced challenges related to water transportation. A recent incident highlights the risks:

  • Boat Capsize (October 2023):
    • A boat carrying passengers from the Mayo-Renewo market to the Karim Lamido neighborhood capsized on Saturday, 28 October 2023.
    • Three children’s bodies were recovered, according to media reports.
    • Abdullahi Usman, the state’s police spokesperson, confirmed the incident but noted that the exact number of passengers on the boat was yet to be determined.

This tragic event underscores the need for improved safety measures and infrastructure for water transportation in the state.

Climate

The climate of Taraba State is marked by an annual average temperature of 33°C but a high level of cold in January and an increased rainfall in August. The percentage of rainfall in Taraba State is 40.35% with 54.98% relative humidity. The state is usually very warm in March with 40.44°C and an average wind of 8.84 km/h.

Flood

  • Many homes and commercial buildings in Taraba State are affected by flooding, including those in the suburbs.

Healthcare

Taraba State has several hospitals and health care centers, some of them are:

  • Courage Hospital
  • Federal Medical Center (FMC)
  • Gateway Hospital
  • General Hospital, Bali
  • Sauki Hospital and Maternity
  • Totus Hospital and Maternity
  • Albert Healthcare Company
  • Taraba Specialist Hospital
  • Kwararafa Hospital and maternity
  • Federal Polytechnic Bali Medical Center
  • First Referral Hospital
  • Biyama Hospital

Education

  • Taraba State has many schools and education centers.
  • Federal University, Wukari
  • Taraba State University
  • Kwararafa University, Wukari

Transportation in Taraba State

Taraba State has a developing transportation network that connects its major cities, towns, and neighboring states. The state’s transport infrastructure includes federal highways, state roads, and an airport, facilitating movement for commerce, tourism, and daily commutes.

Road Network in Taraba State

Federal Highways

Taraba State is served by two major federal highways, which play a vital role in inter-state travel and economic activities:

  1. A4 Highway (292 km)
    • Runs north from Benue State near Kado, passing through Wukari, Murtai Biyu, and Jalingo before entering Adamawa State at Mayo Lane.
    • Crosses the Taraba River at Tella.
  2. A8 Highway (166 km)
    • Extends south from Burtol to Gembu, although it remains unconnected to the A8 Highway in Adamawa State.
  3. International Route
    • A road from Gembu (Taraba State) to Cameroon, linking to N6 at Banyo, serves as an international trade route between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Other Major Roads in Taraba State
  • Bachumbi Road – Links Plateau State at Zurak via Muri, Banyam, and Bambuka to Adamawa State.
  • Wukari-Ampei Road – Runs north to Ibi on the Benue River, serving as a key route for agriculture and trade.
  • Garin Kunini-Zing Road – Connects Dzhu’a-Khore via Pupule to Adamawa State at Bisa, known as the Zaridi-Mayo Belwa Road.
  • Jalingo-Dogari Tiv Road – Extends south from Jalingo, passing through Sunkani, Garbe Shege, Bajabure, Pangri, and Mai Fula to Dogari Tiv.
  • Wukari-Takum Road – A crucial road linking two major towns, aiding in economic and social interactions.
  • Katsina Ala-Takum Road – Heads west to Benue State at Dogon Gawa, supporting trade between Taraba and Benue States.
  • Garin Jatau-Bali Road – Extends east from Takum, crossing the River Donga at Manya, continuing northeast to Mararaba.
  • Rafin Kada-Gembu Road – Runs southeast from Donga via Mararaba.
  • Mambilla Plateau Road – Provides access to the Mambilla Plateau, an important tourist and agricultural region.

Air Transportation

Jalingo Airport

Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, hosts Jalingo Airport, which serves as the main air transport hub for the state. The airport enhances business, tourism, and government travel, providing easier connectivity to other parts of Nigeria.

Agriculture

The major occupation of the people of Taraba state is agriculture. Cash crops produced in the state include coffee, tea, groundnuts, and cotton. Crops such as maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, and yam are also produced in commercial quantities.

In addition, cattle, sheep, and goats are reared in large numbers, especially on the Mambilla Plateau, and along the Benue and Taraba valleys. Similarly, the people of Taraba State undertake other livestock production activities like poultry production, rabbit breeding and pig farming on a fairly large scale.

In February 2024, the World Bank in Nigeria announced plans to empower 5,200 female livestock farmers in the state. Communities living on the banks of River Benue, River Taraba, River Donga, and Ibi, engage in fishing all year round. Other occupational activities such as pottery, cloth-weaving, dyeing, mat-making, carving, embroidery, and blacksmithing are also carried out in various parts of the state.

Natural resources

Taraba State has abundant natural resources for industrial and commercial use; these include:

  • Mineral raw materials
  • Barytes
  • Bauxites
  • Graphite
  • Limestone
  • Gypsum
  • Kaoline
  • Feldspar
  • Mica
  • Pyrite
  • Uranium
  • Gemstone
  • Agro-raw materials
  • Maize
  • Millet
  • Sorghum
  • Rice
  • Groundnut
  • Cassava
  • Fish
  • Gum Arabic
  • Cotton
  • Timber
  • Palm oil
  • Cocoa
  • Citrus
  • Sugarcane
  • Soy Beans

Culture of Taraba State

Taraba State, known as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” boasts a rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and vibrant festivals that celebrate its traditions.

Festivals & Cultural Celebrations

The Taraba State Government has made significant efforts to enhance tourist attractions, particularly at sites like:

  • Mambilla Tourist Center
  • Gumpti Park
  • Gashaka Game Reserve

The state is also home to several exciting cultural festivals, including:

Annual Festivals

  • Karimjo Abedahh Festival & Nwunyu Fishing Festival (Ibi) (Held every April, featuring canoe racing, swimming competitions, and cultural dances.)
  • Purma Festival (Chamba Tribe – Donga)
  • Takum & Jibu Cultural Dance (Bali)
  • Tagba Festival (Acha People – Takum)
  • Kuchecheb Festival (Kuteb Tribe – Takum & Ussa)
  • Kati & Bol Festivals (Mambilla Tribe)

These festivals reflect the rich traditions, artistic expressions, and communal spirit of the people of Taraba.

Ethnic Diversity

Taraba State is a melting pot of numerous ethnic groups, each contributing unique languages, customs, and traditions. Some of the major ethnic communities include:

  • Kuteb
  • Chamba
  • Yandang
  • Mumuye
  • Mambila
  • Karimjo
  • Wurkum
  • Jenjo
  • Jukun
  • Ichen
  • Tiv
  • Kaka
  • Pena
  • Kambu
  • Kodei
  • Wawa
  • Vute
  • Fulani
  • Hausa
  • Ndola
Historical Significance

A fascinating historical fact about Taraba State is its connection to the Mambilla Region, recognized as the “Bantu Cradle”—one of the earliest settlements of the Bantu people, dating back over 5,000 years (Schwartz, 1972; Zeitlyn & Connell, 2003).

With its cultural richness, diverse ethnic heritage, and historical significance, Taraba State stands as a true representation of Nigeria’s vibrant traditions and natural beauty.

Notable People

  • Taraba State, often referred to as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” has produced many influential figures who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political, religious, military, and social spheres. Below is a list of some of the most notable personalities from the state:
    Political Leaders
    1. Late Aisha Alhassan:
      • Former Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs and Senator representing the Northern Zone of Taraba.
    2. Emmanuel Bwacha:
      • Former Senator representing Southern Taraba.
    3. Darius Ishaku:
      • Former Governor of Taraba State and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
    4. David Jimkuta:
      • Current Senator representing Southern Taraba.
    5. Agbu Kefas:
      • Current Governor of Taraba State.
    6. Jolly Nyame:
      • Former Governor of Taraba State.
    7. Danbaba Suntai:
      • Former Governor of Taraba State and a trained pharmacist.
    8. Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf:
      • Former Senator representing Central Taraba and a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
    9. Haruna Manu:
      • Current Senator representing Taraba Central, former Deputy Governor, and former Member of the House of Representatives for Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
    Military and Defence
    1. Theophilus Danjuma:
      • Retired General, former Chief of Army Staff (1975–1979), and former Minister of Defence (1999–2003). He is also a successful businessman and philanthropist.
    Religious Leaders
    1. Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama:
      • Current Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja and a prominent religious figure in Nigeria.
    2. Abdullahi Bala Lau (Sheikh Balalau):
      • Renowned Islamic scholar, cleric, and preacher.
    Legal and Judicial Figures
    1. Mahmud Mohammed:
      • Former Chief Justice of Nigeria and a respected jurist.
    Other Notable Figures
    1. Anna Darius Ishaku:
      • Barrister and wife of former Governor Darius Ishaku.
    2. Abbas Njidda Tafida:
      • Current Emir of Muri, a traditional ruler in Taraba State.
    3. Saleh Mamman:
      • Former Nigerian Minister of Power.
    4. Shuaibu Isa Lau:
      • Current Senator representing Taraba North.

Politics

The state government is led by a democratically elected governor who works closely with the state’s House of Assembly members. The capital city of the state is Jalingo.

Electoral system

The governor of the state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of votes and over 25% of votes in at least two-thirds of the state and local government areas. If no candidate passes the threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government areas.

Conclusion

araba State is a culturally rich and economically promising region in Nigeria. With diverse ethnic groups, traditional festivals, fertile lands, and stunning tourist sites, it offers great opportunities for residents and visitors.

From exploring the Mambilla Plateau to engaging in trade and investment, Taraba truly lives up to its title, “Nature’s Gift to the Nation.”

Despite challenges like flooding, boat mishaps, and infrastructure gaps, the state is making progress with investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism. Its economy thrives on farming, livestock rearing, fishing, and trade, while democratic governance shapes its political landscape.

Moving forward, harnessing its natural resources, cultural heritage, and strategic location will be key to Taraba’s sustainable growth.