Makurdi is the capital of Benue State, located in central Nigeria, and part of the Middle Belt region of central Nigeria. The city is situated on the south bank of the Benue River. In 2016, Makurdi and the surrounding areas had an estimated population of 365,000

History

Makurdi was established in 1927. In 1976, it became the capital of Benue State.

This city was one of the sites of the End SARS protests in 2020.

Demographics

The major ethnic groups are the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Jukun, Wurkum, Agatu, Etulo, Alagbo, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, and Nupe.

Education

Makurdi is home to Benue State University; University of Agriculture, Makurdi; Nigeria Army School Of Military Engineering, Makurdi; and Akawe Torkula Polytechnic ATP, Makurdi.

There are secondary schools located in Makurdi including Government Secondary School, North-Bank; Tilley Gyado College, North-Bank; Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School; Government College, Makurdi; and Government Girls’ Secondary School.

Transport

Makurdi is located on the banks of Benue River, a major tributary of the Niger River.

It is on the main narrow gauge railway line running north from Port Harcourt. There are regular bus services linking Makurdi to neighbouring towns.

Until a road rail bridge was built in 1932, a train ferry was used to cross the Benue river.

There is an airport in Makurdi.

Military

Makurdi contains the base for the Nigerian Air Force’s MiG 21 and SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft squadrons and the Nigeria Army’s 72 Special Forces (SF) Battalion

Agriculture

Benue State is predominantly an agricultural area specialising in cash crops and subsistence crops.

Resources

Limestone and marble can be found in the area.