Makurdi

Makurdi is the capital of Benue state

Makurdi old bridge. The bridge was made primarily for railway, though not for it alone

Makurdi new bridge

The town is located on both the North and South banks of River Benue

Founded

Makurdi was established in 1927.

In 1976 it became the capital of Benue State

Makurdi was founded in 1927 when the railroad from Port Harcourt (279 miles, 449 km) south-southwest) was extended to Jos and Kaduna, Makurdi rapidly developed into a transportation and market centre.

In 1976, following the division of Benue-Plateau state into two states, Makurdi was selected as the capital of Benue state

People

Makurdi is located on the ancestral lands of Ihyarev people, a major Tiv clan. However Ihyarev constitute a small part of the population.

Features

Makurdi being an administrative, educational, commercial and military area comprises various persons from different places and backgrounds.

Makurdi has academic institutions of higher learning like Benue State University, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (a federal government university), Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, School of Nursing, Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME)

Main gate, Benue State University, Makurdi

School of Health, Benue State University, Makurdi

Another part of School of Health, Benue State University, Makurdi

Secondary schools in Makurdi include Government Secondary School, North-Bank, Special Science Senior Secondary School, Tilley Gyado College, North-Bank, Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School, Government College, and Government Girls’ Secondary School.

Also located in Makurdi is the headquarters of Nigerian Air force tactical air command, Nigeria Army’s 72 Special Forces (SF) Battalion, Benue State government secretariat, NNPC depot, Nigerian Police Zone 4 headquarters headed by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, Central Bank’s branch and many other institutions, organisations and bodies.