13 Interesting Facts About the People of Ichen Ethnic Group in Nigeria

The Ichen is a very interesting and well-known group, here you can learn so many new facts about these people, in many aspects of their life. For instance, you will get to learn about their location, population, food and so much more.

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Ichen Ethnic Group

13 Interesting Facts About the People of Ichen Ethnic Group in Nigeria

These are some of the interesting facts you need to know about the people of the Ichen ethnic group, which includes:

1. Location

The Ichen people are mainly found in the North East region of Nigeria in Taraba state. Also, they are spread across the following local government areas: Donga, Bali, Takum, Kurmi, and part of Wukari.

2. Population

Based on information from the most recent Nigerian census which took place in 2006, there are 96,000 Ichen people. However, since then the number has likely changed and some people have moved to other countries.

3. Name History is One of the Interesting Facts About the People of the Ichen Ethnic Group

In the past, their name was originally Etkye. However, the British who were in charge of carrying out research on them could not spell the name Etkye and ended up calling it Ichen. So, ever since that, they have maintained that name

4. Language

The language of the Ichen people is “Etkywan”. So, this is what they use in communicating with each other right from the very old days.

5. Neighbor Name/Relationship

Kenton was the name given to the Ichen people by their neighbours called Kpazon. Furthermore, to give the story behind this: after the Kpazon had offended the Ichen people, they chased them down to bury the hatchet. Unfortunately, they had crossed the Ton stream and could no longer be reached easily. So, they stopped and said “These people had crossed Ton stream” (bani kyaton ra).

6. Politics: Interesting Facts About the People of the Ichen Ethnic Group in Nigeria

In the Ichen ethnic group, they have a king which they refer to as “Tii”. Also, he has palace men to advise him and mai-angwa to advise him on different situations. The wife of the king answers watii, the king’s successor is called the Yemira, and ascending to the throne is patrilineal.

7. Livelihood

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the Ichen people, they have a vast amount of Land which they use to farm crops such as banana, cocoa, groundnut, and sugar cane. Also, they involve themselves in fishing and weaving.

8. Ethnic Religion

The great people of the Ichen ethnic group in Nigeria practice Christianity and Islam too. So, it depends on the choice of religion of a family.

9. Labor Division is on the list of Interesting Facts About the People of the Ichen Ethnic Group

The Ichen people divide labour based on age and gender. For instance, those between the ages of 20-50 have the following tasks: clearing the road and sanitizing the market square. While women traditionally work on the farm.

10. Food

As for the meals they eat, the main source is their crops and the fish they are able to catch. So, they make their meals with Groundnut, palm oil, and fish such as tarwada, faya, dinko, etc.

11. Religion

Among the Ichen people, the widest spread religion is Christianity, then their ethnic faith and Islam is the least followed. This is likely due to the effect of the British colonialists.

12. Dressing is Also Among the Interesting Facts About the People of the Ichen Ethnic Group

The Ichen men commonly wear red beads around their necks, while the women wear those same beads around their necks and head. Also, the women wear rappers from chest level and the men wear caps.

13. Clans of the Ichen

In Ichen, they have seven main clans. This is likely their original state of government. So, these are the seven clans of the Ichen people: Nguwi, Beekan, Buban, Benye, Ndahwa, Ndedwa, and Bibinu.

Conclusion

However, these interesting facts will be of great help to you if you plan on visiting this great ethnic group in Nigeria. And, trust me you will definitely learn a lot about the people of Ichen.

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