COMMUNITY

Tiv As a People By Joyce Aernan-Maagbe Tiv is an ethnic group, predominantly found in Benue State. However, the Tiv people are also indigenous to 6 other states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria, and in Cameroon. Although statistics vary due to inadequate records, the Tiv people have been reported to be the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria with a rich culture in folktales, dance and food. The Tiv people are mostly farmers and thus mostly depend on agricultural produce for commerce and sustenance. The Tiv people believe they come from Southeast Africa, through south central and west central Africa. They wondered through west African Sudan via the River Congo and Cameroon Mountains then settled at Swemkaragbe the region adjoining Cameroon and Nigeria in the beginning of 1500 CE. It is also believed that the Tiv people moved in various directions when then descended the Cameroon Mountains. Some moved southward across Obudu mountains, others moved northward spreading over Mdema and Waka district, while others moved into core Benue valley present day core Central Nigeria. The Ancestry of the Tiv people traces way back to an ancient man called Tiv. Tiv had two sons - Chongo & Pusu. The descendants of Chongo were known as Ichongo and that of Pusu were Ipusu. As these families grew in numbers, they began to divide further into several segmental lineages. The smallest of these lineages is known as ipaven. In time past, the Tiv people lead by age, influence and affluence. The lack of administrative divisions, chiefs and councils was a great strength against the colonial masters. Several attempts to divide and rule the Tiv people failed. All strategies could not penetrate the firm structure of the Tiv people. So, in 1934, the colonial administration grouped the Tiv people into Clans, Kindreds, and Family Groups and appointed native heads. This is the genesis of division between the descendants of Chongo & Pusu. The Tiv people are a part of the Nigerian Elites. They are highly educated and well traveled. In an attempt to unite the seemingly scattered Tiv people, Mzough U Tiv (MUT) was birthed in Nigeria. This has since extended to the USA & UK generally referred to as MUTA (Mzough U Tiv ken Amerika) and MUTUK (Mzough U Tiv ken UK) respectively.

Barr. Lois Adura congratulated by Mzough U Tiv United Kingdom (MUTUK) for Councillor Election in Milton Keynes.