Founding of the Tiv

February 21, 2025

Read Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds

A Journey Through Time

Long before the present-day borders of Nigeria were drawn, before the bustling markets of Makurdi and the farmlands of Benue, there existed a people whose roots ran deep into history. A group whose journey through time is one of migration, survival, and cultural preservation. They were the Tiv. Proud and resilient.

The story of the Tiv people is not one of mere coincidence; it is a tale of lineage, movement, and the search for a home. From their enigmatic ancestor, Tiv, to their eventual settlement in Nigeria, their history is an intricate blend of tradition, adaptation, and perseverance.

The Origins: Who Was Tiv?

The Tiv people trace their ancestry to a man named Tiv, from whom the ethnic group descended. Oral tradition tells us that Tiv had two sons, Ichôngo and Ipusu, who became the progenitors of the two major branches of the Tiv people. This familial structure would later form the foundation of Tiv social organisation, shaping kinship ties and leadership structures for generations.

Over time, the descendants of Tiv multiplied and spread across different regions.

According to oral tradition, neighbouring tribes began referring to them collectively as "Tiv’s children," a name that eventually became the identity of the group.

The Tiv originally lived near the Swem mountain, a region believed to be in Cameroon or present-day Benue State, Nigeria. The exact location remains uncertain, but oral narratives and linguistic similarities link the Tiv people to the Bantu migrations, suggesting that they may have once been part of a much larger migratory wave that shaped the populations of Central and West Africa.

They gradually migrated, forming communities that maintained a strong cultural identity. Despite the uncertainties, what remains clear is that the Tiv people's journey has been one of resilience and adaptation, shaping their distinct identity over centuries.

In Conclusion

The formation of Tiv society was deeply rooted in family bonds, farming, and shared traditions. Their early settlements were marked by agricultural practices and hunting, which provided sustenance and strengthened communal ties. Today, the Tiv people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, with a rich cultural heritage that remains a defining part of their identity.