According to a Nigerian Professor of Government at the University of Texas, who specializes in Nigeria, the Tiv tribe originally was located in Benue-Plateau State, which was subsequently divided into the states of Benue and Plateau (9 Feb. 1993). The Benue River forms part of the border of these two states, and the Tivs live on both sides of the river (Ibid.; The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1989, 807).

Some Tivs have migrated to Gongola State and Cross River State (West Africa 29 Apr. - 5 May 1991, 648; Nigerian Professor 9 Feb. 1993). In 1991 Gongola State was partitioned into two states: Taraba and Adamawa (African Research Bulletin 1-31 August 1991, 10231). The Nigerian Professor states, however, that these are quite small migrations of individuals or families who have relocated for business or other economic reasons (9 Feb. 1993). For the most part, the Tiv tribe is still located in Benue state, and centred around the city of Gboko (Ibid., West Africa 29 Apr. - 5 May 1991, 648).

In 1991 several new states were created. One of them, called Kogi, was created out of territory of Benue state and Kwara state (Africa Research Bulletin 1-31 Aug. 1991, 10231). Therefore, there are some Tivs living in the new state of Kogi (Nigerian Professor, 9 Feb. 1993).

Additional or corroborative information on the above topic is currently unavailable to the DIRB.

References

Africa Research Bulletin: Political Series [London]. 1-31 August 1991. Vol. 28, No. 10. "Nigeria: Peaceful Primary Polls."

Professor of Government. University of Texas, Houston. 9 February 1993. Telephone Interview.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica. 1989. Micropaedia. 15th ed. Vol.29. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica Inc.

West Africa [London]. 29 April - 5 May 1991. Felix D.V. Audu. "Nigeria: Installation of Alfred Akame Torkula, Tor Tiv Signifies... A Greater Tomorrow."

Attachments

Africa Research Bulletin: Political Series [London]. 1-31 August 1991. Vol. 28, No. 10. "Nigeria: Peaceful Primary Polls," pp. 10231-10232.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica. 1989. Micropaedia. 15th ed. Vol.29. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., p. 807.

West Africa [London]. 29 April - 5 May 1991. Felix D.V. Audu. "Nigeria: Installation of Alfred Akame Torkula, Tor Tiv Signifies... A Greater Tomorrow," p. 648.