Ohimini is a Local Government Area in Benue State, north-central Nigeria, headquartered at Idekpa-Okpiko in the Idoma-speaking south of the state. Located near the Benue–Kogi border, the LGA covers approximately 632 km² and recorded a 2006 census population of 70,688 (35,876 male; 34,812 female), with current estimates above 95,000.
Towns and Villages
The LGA contains the following named settlements:
| Settlement | Settlement | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Allagye | Ehaje | Idekpa-Okpiko |
| Oglewu | Onyagede | Oshigbudu |
| Ugboju |
Geography
Ohimini sits on the southern Benue plains at 150–300 m elevation, bounded north and east by Otukpo, south by Apa and west by Kogi State across the Onyagede border. Streams of the Benue river system drain the LGA northward. Soils are red lateritic, supporting yam, cassava and groundnut cultivation.
Demographics
The 2006 census recorded 70,688 residents (35,876 male, 34,812 female); current estimates exceed 95,000. The Idoma are the homogeneous indigenous group, with Idoma and English as the working languages. Christianity predominates alongside traditional Idoma religious institutions.
Economy and Local Life
Agriculture forms the economic base — yam, cassava, groundnut and rice are the principal crops, with Idekpa-Okpiko hosting a regional market. Small-scale palm-oil production and inter-state trade with Kogi State supplement the rural economy. Educational infrastructure is anchored by community secondary schools.
Administrative Divisions
Ohimini contains the council headquarters at Idekpa-Okpiko, with the Onyagede district directly bordering Kogi State. Major communities include Idekpa-Okpiko, Onyagede, Oglewu, Allagye, Ehaje, Oshigbudu and Ugboju.
History
Ohimini LGA was created in December 1996 by the General Sani Abacha administration as part of the final Nigerian local-government creation exercise, carved out of the parent Otukpo LGA. The constituent communities share Idoma kinship ties traced through pre-colonial migration patterns from Apa-Idoma origins.
Getting There
Ohimini is reached via the Otukpo–Idekpa road and from Kogi State across the Onyagede border. Makurdi Airport is approximately 95 km north, with Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport 220 km north-west via the Otukpo–Lokoja–Abuja corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ohimini?
Ohimini is a Local Government Area in Benue State, north-central Nigeria, headquartered at Idekpa-Okpiko in the Idoma-speaking south of the state near the Kogi border.
What is the population of Ohimini?
The 2006 census recorded 70,688 residents (35,876 male, 34,812 female). Current estimates exceed 95,000.
How big is Ohimini?
Ohimini LGA covers approximately 632 square kilometres of southern Benue plains.
When was Ohimini created?
Ohimini LGA was created in December 1996 by the General Sani Abacha administration, carved out of the parent Otukpo LGA.
What ethnic group lives in Ohimini?
Ohimini is in the Idoma heartland of southern Benue. The Idoma language and English are the working languages.
How do I get to Ohimini?
Ohimini is reached via the Otukpo–Idekpa road. Makurdi Airport is 95 km north; Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is 220 km north-west.