Tribes in Abia State Nigeria

*Disclaimer: Due to insufficient data on various Nigerian tribes, we cannot ascertain the completeness or correctness of this information. If you believe that your tribe has been misrepresented or left off this list, please write the editor at idonsabi@gmail.com. Kindly include the name of your tribe and any other information that might be relevant to our research. You can also leave a comment on this article to voice your opinion. 

The average Nigerian is expected to know a lot if not all about the history and way of life in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, a lot of attention is paid to the embodiment “Nigeria”. While at this, very little or no attention is paid to the different ethnic groups and tribes that make up the Country. The lack of adequate information about the ethnic groups and tribes in Nigeria is perhaps responsible for the level of tribal intolerance exhibited by her people.

As a people, we might have a fairly good idea about our similarities. However, we as Nigerians will be in a great denial of obvious facts if we claim to understand our diversities. These seemingly lack of adequate information about our existence at the smallest unit has fueled us to write about the ethnic groups and tribes that make up the country “Nigeria” but first, it’s important that we correct the popular misconception that ethnic groups and tribes are the same.

Ethnic Group

An ethnic group is a group of people that are bound by language, culture, ancestry, history, physical appearance and myth. Sometimes, people of an ethnic group are considered to be a nation, e.g “the Yoruba Nation”.

There are three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. They are Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba.

Tribe

A tribe is considered a sub-group under an ethnic group. It is a group of people bound by kinship and dialect. A tribe is a social group that is capable of complete existence without the presence of a national society. While a little is known about the ethnic groups in Nigeria, close to nothing is known about the tribes in Nigeria.

A lot of Nigerians are not sure what the difference between a tribe and an ethnic group is. It is important to note that a tribe is a sub-group under an ethnic group. Various tribes make up one ethnic group.

There are well over 300 tribes in Nigeria. To further improve our tolerance of the various tribes in Nigeria, we have taken out time to bring you information on the tribes in Nigeria, their geographical location, language, food, dressing, religion etc.

We at iDonsabi have taken on the huge project of gathering information on over 300 tribes in Nigeria.

Starting with tribes in Abia, this are the tribes in Nigeria

Ngwa Tribe

The Ngwa tribe is the largest tribe in South-eastern Nigeria. It is believed that the word “Ngwa” is coined from the word “Ngwa Ngwa” which means quickly.

The Ngwas can be found in an area that shares boundaries with Owerri and Mbaise on the on the west, Ikot-Ekpene and Abak on the east, Ukwa on the south and Umuahia on the north. These tribe is settled in an area in old Aba. They have a population of about a million people and occupy an area of 2,300km square. The people of Ngwa are majorly farmers. A very few women from this tribe take part in Akwete cloth weaving.

It is believed that the Ngwa people are cannibals. Although a lot of people are yet to drop such belief, there are no proofs. The Ngwa people feed on “Akpu” (processed cassava) and Ukazi soup. They are predominantly Christians and dress like other Igbo tribes. The women tie two wrappers on blouses while the men tie wrappers and put on regular shirts.

Ohafia Tribe

Ohafia is local government area in Abia state, it is also one of the tribes in this state. The Ohafia people were known to be mighty warriors in pre-colonial days. Their history is one identity that they seem to be very proud of. Up till today, they still have the warrior’s cap and young men from this tribe still wear it around.

People in Ohafia speak Igbo. They are predominantly farmers and Christians. Their mode of dressing is not so different from that of other Igbo tribes. Their men tie wrappers under a traditionally made top. This attire is incomplete without a cap. Ohafia women tie two wrappers on a blouse.

In the past, Ohafia men were known to be mercenaries of war. However, in more recent times, they farm and trade. Also, processed Cassava and soup is known to be the major food of people from this region.

Abiriba Tribe

Abiriba is one of the tribes in Abia state. It is located in Ohafia local government area. Just like Ohafia tribe, people from Abiriba were known to be warriors in ancient times. Upon arriving in the area which they now occupy, the war skills of this tribe facilitated their settlement.

The Abiribas bear some similarities to some non-Igbo tribes in Cross Rivers state. Myth has it that they migrated from somewhere in Cross Rivers and then settled in Abia.

People from Abiriba have plantain porridge as a staple and dress like other Igbo tribes. Their men put on shirts on wrappers, while the women wear two wrappers over a blouse.

They are mostly farmers. Also Christianity is the dominant religion of this tribe.

Aro Tribe

The Aros are a tribe that can be found in modern day Arochukwu Local government area. They are a people of mixed origin, dialect and culture. They bear a lot of similarities with a non-Igbo tribe called Ibibio. Although they speak Igbo language, their dialect is a little difficult to understand by the average Igbo. The Aros have a very rich cultural heritage. They are known for their Ekpe society, a cult group which was very dominant in pre-independence Aro.

Present day Aros are predominantly Christians and farmers. They are known for wearing George and feed on processed cassava and soup that is very rich in fish and assorted bush meats.

Ohuhu Tribe

Ohuhu is a tribe located in present day Umuahia North LGA. It is believed that the people of Ohuhu did not migrate from anywhere. Supporting this claim are the presence of abandoned settlements. However, there is another claim that states that people of Ohuhu migrated from different parts of Imo such as Nekede and Obowo.

The people of Ohuhu do not possess a very rich cultural heritage, they are predominantly traders and Christians. This tribe is not different from other Igbo tribes in its mode of dressing as well as its food.

There you have it! The five tribes in Abia state. If you enjoyed this, don’t fail to leave a comment. We’ll also love to hear from you if you have more accurate or current information about tribes in Abia state or any other tribe in Nigeria.

One thought on “Tribes in Abia State Nigeria

  • May 13, 2021 at 9:06 am
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    Thanks for the good ideals

    Reply

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