The Idoma are one of the three major peoples of Benue State, living mainly in the south of the state, south of the Benue River. They speak Idoma, an Idomoid language.
The Benue State Government names the Tiv, Idoma and Igede as the state's three major peoples, and places the Idoma mainly in the south. The state's Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning describes the nine LGAs outside the Tiv-speaking area as the Idoma–Igede area.
Roger Blench's Atlas of Nigerian Languages places the Idoma language in Otukpo and Okpokwu LGAs of Benue State and in Nassarawa and Awe LGAs of Nasarawa State. Wikipedia also mentions Idoma communities in Taraba, Cross River, Enugu and Kogi states.
The LGAs are listed under Connections, each with its own evidence level.
The Och'Idoma is the paramount ruler of the Idoma. He chairs the Idoma Area Traditional Council, one of the two area traditional councils of Benue State (Benue State Government; Benue State Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning). Wikipedia notes that the office was introduced under British colonial rule.
- Akpoto
- About Benue State — Benue State Government · link
- History Of Benue State — Benue State Ministry of Finance, Budget & Economic Planning, Benue State Ministry of Finance, Budget & Economic Planning · link
- Idoma people — Wikipedia · link
- Benue State — Wikipedia contributors, Wikipedia · link
- An Atlas of Nigerian Languages (2020 edition) — Roger Blench, Kay Williamson Educational Foundation / McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, 2020 · link
Last updated 24 September 2026. Spotted an error or have a source to add? Tell us.