The Great Migration

February 21, 2025

Read Time: 3 minutes

Defining Moments in History

One of the defining moments in Tiv history was their great migration. Faced with environmental changes, population growth, and conflicts with neighbouring groups, the Tiv people began a journey southward in search of fertile land and security. This migration was not a singular event but a process that spanned many generations.

As they traveled, they encountered different ethnic groups, each with its own customs and ways of life. One of the most significant encounters was with the Fulani, a nomadic group known for their cattle herding. The Tiv and the Fulani initially coexisted peacefully, with the Fulani providing protection in exchange for agricultural support.

Large group of people travelling across lush valley

However, tensions arose when intermarriages began, leading the Tiv to move further away in order to preserve their cultural identity.

The migration took them through various regions, including parts of present-day Cameroon and Nigeria.

At each stage, they adapted to their environment, developing agricultural techniques suited to the terrain and learning from the communities they met along the way.

Eventually, they reached the fertile lands along the Benue River, where they decided to settle permanently.

Becoming ‘Tiv’

The name Tiv was not originally used to describe an ethnic group but was rather a reference to Tiv’s descendants. As the people grew in numbers and formed distinct communities, neighbouring tribes began referring to them collectively as "Tiv’s children." Over time, the term was shortened to simply "Tiv," and it became the recognised name of the entire ethnic group.

Cultural Identity and Practices

Agriculture: The Tiv were primarily farmers, cultivating crops such as yams, millet, and sorghum. Their knowledge of the land allowed them to become one of the most agriculturally successful groups in Nigeria.

Social Structure: Tiv society was organized around extended families and clans. Leadership was decentralized, with decisions being made collectively by elders.

Language: The Tiv language, which belongs to the Southern Bantoid group, served as a unifying factor, preserving their identity across generations.

Spiritual Beliefs: The Tiv believed in a supreme being called Aôndo, who controlled the universe. They also practiced Akombo, a spiritual system involving rituals and symbols to maintain balance in society.

The Tiv people, despite their migrations and interactions with other groups, maintained a distinct cultural identity.

In Conclusion

These beliefs played a crucial role in shaping their worldview, guiding their moral values, and ensuring harmony within the community. Even today, elements of these traditions remain influential, blending with modern religious practices to form a unique cultural identity for the Tiv people.