Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Monday 7 October 2024, inaugurated 23 newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen of the State.

The Local Government Areas and the Chairmen are:

1. Ado: Sunday Oche
2. Agatu: Melvin James Ejeh
3. Apa: Adam Ochega Ogwola
4. Buruku: Zege Raymond Aondoakula
5. Gboko : Torseer Yina
6. Guma: Orwough Maurice Hemen
7. Gwer East: Adi Timothy Nyiakura
8. Gwer West: Ormin Torsar Victor
9. Katsina Ala: Shaku Justine Agabi
10. Konshisha: Chikyaa Moses Terfa
11. Kwande: Vitalis Terhile  Neji
12. Logo: Kav Clement
13. Makurdi: Keffi Joseph
14. Obi: Odeh Ahonye Daniel
15. Ogbadibo: Ajunwa Ameh Sunday
16. Ohimini: Adole Oche James
17. Oju: Ominyi Jackson
18. Okpokwu: Adah Matthew Inalegwu
19. Otukpo: Maxwell Ogiri Ogiri
20. Tarka: Yenge Raphael
21. Ukum: Jonathan Modi
22. Ushongo: Tyowase Kumasuun Elijah
23. Vandeikya: Guda Terkura Dennis

Benue State comprises 23 Local Government Areas. These LGAs are the foundation for local governance, each with its administrative structure and leadership. The creation of LGAs in Nigeria is based on certain criteria, including population size, geographical features, and socio-economic activities. This ensures that each LGA can efficiently manage its resources and deliver services to its residents.

Benue LGAs and their headquarters

Ado
Located in the southern part of Benue State, Ado LGA shares a border with Enugu State. It is predominantly occupied by the Idoma people. The LGA is known for its agricultural activities, including yam and cassava farming.

Agatu
Agatu LGA is situated in the southern part of Benue and is home to the Agatu people. It is known for its fertile land, which supports rice farming and fishing. Agatu has faced challenges with communal clashes, particularly over grazing land.

Apa
Apa LGA, located in the southern region, is an Idoma-dominated area known for agriculture. It is one of the smaller LGAs but plays a significant role in food production, including crops like cassava, yam, and groundnuts.

Buruku
Buruku LGA lies in the central part of Benue State and is largely inhabited by the Tiv people. The area is known for its vibrant agricultural economy, focusing on yam and grain production.

Gboko
Gboko is one of the most prominent LGAs in Benue State, often referred to as the traditional headquarters of the Tiv people. It is an important commercial hub and hosts several markets that attract traders from across the region.

Guma
Guma is located in the central part of Benue State, bordered by Nasarawa State to the north. It has a significant agricultural base and is home to the Tiv ethnic group.

Makurdi
As the state capital, Makurdi is the political and administrative hub of Benue State. It is also the economic center, with key institutions such as Benue State University and the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.

Otukpo
Considered the “Food Basket” of the Idoma people, Otukpo is a bustling town with both historical and economic significance. It is the headquarters of the Idoma ethnic group.

Kwande
With its headquarters in Adikpo, Kwande is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and agricultural potential, especially in yam and rice farming.

Tarka
This LGA is named after Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a prominent political figure in Nigeria’s First Republic. The area is known for producing influential political leaders in Benue State.

Katsina-Ala
This LGA plays a significant role in the history of Benue as one of the early areas inhabited by the Tiv people. It is an important center for agriculture and trade.

Konshisha
Konshisha is known for its agricultural contributions, particularly in rice and yam farming, which are staples in the local diet.

LGAs in Benue and Nigeria

In Benue State, LGAs play a key role in governance by serving as the closest form of administration to the people. Each LGA has a council that is responsible for making decisions on local matters, including budgeting, development projects, and local law enforcement. LGAs are also essential in maintaining law and order, as they collaborate with the police, civil defense forces, and traditional rulers to handle security issues.

The creation of Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria was formalized in 1976 as part of the Local Government Reform, which sought to enhance grassroots participation in governance. These reforms were meant to decentralize power, improve service delivery, and ensure local representation in government.

In Nigeria, Local Government Areas are the third tier of government, following the federal and state levels. LGAs are responsible for bringing government services closer to the people, particularly in rural areas. They are responsible for functions such as maintaining basic infrastructure, health services, and primary education, among other responsibilities.