THE HISTORY, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF THE IGEDE PEOPLE AND THEIR INTER-GROUP RELATIONS WITH NEIGHBOURING ETHNIC GROUPS: 1960 - 2023

ABSTRACT

This research has been able to examine the Intergroup Relations of the Igede people and their neighbors from 1960 till 2023. The Igede people who are primarily farmers producing crops such groundnuts, yams, bambaranuts, wateryams and rice, trade and exchange their farm products with their neighbouring ethnic groups like the Izis from Ebonyi State who produce palm oil and the Idoma people that produces beans in large quantities. The majors rivers such as the River Niger, River Benue, and River Oyongo for a long time has served as trade route and means of contact between the various people of the Benue basin. Economics contact no doubt led to social-political and even religious relationship among the various people. In the course of their relations, throughout the history, the Igede people have experienced conflicts with neighbouring ethnic groups such as the Idoma, Tiv and Izi over lands, resources and political power. These conflicts have sometimes escalated into armed confrontation but they have been resolved through diplomacy and the establishment of alliance. The Igede people have also engaged in trade and diplomatic relations with their neighbouring groups, which have contributed to the development of mutual understanding and cooperation. These interactions have led to the exchange of cultural practices, goods, ideas and inter-ethnic marriage which has enriched the Igede people’s cultural heritage.