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

This article is a platform and an opportunity for you to learn more about the tribes found in Southern parts of Nigeria like the Mbembe people tribe. It contains 13 interesting facts about the people of Mbembe ethnic group in Nigeria.

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

As you read this article, you will come to see that there might be lots of things that you have not heard or learnt about the Mbembe ethnicity. Also, some facts about the states in which they reside are included.

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

Keep reading to learn interesting facts about the people of Mbembe ethnic group in Nigeria as well as their resident state.

1. State Of Residence In The Country

This is an ethnic group of the south-south and also the southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The ethnicity of Mbembe is a tribe of people that can be traced down to Cross River state as well as Enugu state, Nigeria.  Also, you should note that there are a few of them scattered in some areas of Ebonyi state. Nevertheless, the Mbembe people are more of the Cross River tribe than Enugu tribe and Ebonyi tribes.

2. Local Government Areas Of Mbembe People

Here are the local government areas where you can find the Mbembe tribe; Obubra, Yala, and also Ikom local government areas in Cross River state. Izzi and also Abakaliki local government areas in Ebonyi state. Lastly, their precise location in Enugu state is not confirmed yet but they are indigenes that live in Enugu state.

3. History Of The People is One of the Interesting Facts About the People of Mbembe Ethnic Group

Mbembe people of Nigeria date back to the 20th century. This certifies their claim of settlement in Nigeria for a long time but not as long as some other ethnic groups. Origin claims are not yet verified, however, migration from other countries’ stories are being suggested.

4. Language

Mbembe people speak their own language which is a core language of the people, they speak the Mbembe language. The Nigerian pidgin language and also the British English language has been adopted by these people and most other tribes in Nigeria.

5. Population

Currently, the Mbembe people of Cross River State, Enugu State, as well as Ebonyi State have reached 257,000 population in size (men and women). This current number has increased compared to when they first newly settled in Nigeria, about 100,000 people then.

6. Ethnicity is Among the Interesting Facts About the People of Mbembe Ethnic Group

Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan People.

People Cluster: Benue.

People Group: Mbembe.

Ethnic Code: NAV56b.

7. Leaders Of Mbembe

The most powerful person in the tribe goes by the name, Ikea. He is in charge of social control and also expresses authority over women. He also has the power to give orders concerning public works. The second most powerful person is the village chief. His leadership is by the Okwa’s selection.

8. Descendants

The Mbembe tribe in all villages, clans, local government areas, as well as the three states where they reside always traces their descendants through both genders. That is to say, matrilineal and patrilineal lines are in full consideration before a child can start calling his ancestors.

9. Religion is Another Interesting Facts About the People of Mbembe Ethnic Group

In this tribe, the majority of them are Christians. About 95 per cent of the population worship God and they listen to the goodness of the gospel through the active evangelism done in their area.

10. Farming

Yams, cocoyam, rice, as well as cassava are the major crop which the Mbembe people plant. They are now adopting the most modern farming techniques. They practice the fallowing of land to make more money.

11. Inheritance

The children of a particular family have the right and also the privilege to receive an inheritance from both parties (mother and father). However, what they inherit from the mother is a lot different from what they inherit from the father.

The mother usually passes out movable properties such as money, clothing, and maybe food or farm items. While the male provides them with an inheritance that is not movable such as lands and houses.

12. Villages In Obubra Local Government Area Of Cross River State are Among the Interesting Facts About the People of Mbembe Ethnic Group

The Obubra LGA has about 98 villages with several communities of tribes occupying these villages (Mbembe people reside here too). These villages are Isabang, Oderegha, Ofonamma, Appiapumtet, Yala, Ovunom, and many more.

13. Geography Of Obubra LGA

Obubra town is the headquarters of Obubra LGA. Abakiliki and Ikom borders the town to the north while Afikpo and Calabar border it to the south. In terms of land, the area is 1,115 km^2.

Conclusion

Overall, this article has been able to teach and educate you about ethnicity in Nigeria and also you have learnt 13 facts about the Mbembe tribe with included facts from their states of residence.

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