CHAPTER TWO

LAND AND PEOPLE OF ABOCHO

Man does not live in a vacuum. Man at one point in history migrated from one place to

another to settle and organised themselves in a particular location, over time evolved their

own culture and other activities necessary for survival. Abocho was not an exception. There

are various traditions of origin which explains the history of the people. These accounts are

contained in oral and written forms. Abocho have their political, economic institution which

evolved in line with their history. Since their consciousness about their present geographical

location, the people have also fashioned out means to survive economically while still

carrying out their socio-cultural activities. It is based on this, that this chapter discusses the

geographical location, traditions of origin, economic and socio-cultural activities of the

people. These will enlighten us to have a clear knowledge about Abocho people.

Abocho is one of the ancient chiefdoms of Igala kingdom. Abocho is in Dekina Local

Government Area of Kogi State. Abocho is a clan name for a group of people that populate

Abocho ward of Dekina Local Government Area. Members of the clan are also to be found in

the neighboring Local Government Area of Bassa and Ofu. Abocho Land share common

boundaries with Ofu and Bassa Local Government Area in Dekina Local Government Area,

Abocho also share common boundaries with Dekina District at Ajiolo Ojaji and Okura

District at Adiele.

Origin of Abocho

The name Abocho is derived from Abo-Icho. Abo stands for people and Icho stands for

hunting territory. It all started with a man named Onwabe.1 Onwabe, son of ohieda Apo is

from the ancient confluence village of Igbobe. Igbobe is by the confluence of River Niger and

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Benue. Igbobe is one of the communities in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi state.

Young Onwabe left his native village on hunting adventure. It’s an established fact that

hunting and pursuit of fertile farming land are mostly responsible for the dispersion of human

population across the world.2

Onwabe's adventure led him to the ancient chiefdom of Ife. At Ife his hunting abilities

attracted attention. He was appointed as the chief of hunters of Ife. He had a frustrating

experience with Ooni (king) of Ife, in accordance with the hunting tradition of igala kingdom,

onwabe entrusted some elephant tuskes with Ooni(king) of Ife to be delivered to Attah Igala

as a mark of honour and respect for the opportunity of hunting elephants in Igala Land. But

Ooni Ife betrayed him by delivering the tusks in his own name. 3 Onwabe was thus denied the

recognition he deserved as a prominent elephant hunter. Out of annoyance he departed Ife

and headed to Idah the headquarters of igala kingdom. Along the route he met another

prominent hunter named Onogwa-Obida.4

They became very good friends. They started a formidable hunting partnership, but the

partnership was not destined to last, controversy developed between them over an elephant

both claimed to have killed. The controversy brought them before Attah Akumabi of Igala

kingdom. The controversy was resolved in favour of onwabe, the Egbira man. The Attah was

impressed by the hunting experience of onwabe, he therefore granted onwabe a hunting

territory known as Icho, with the salutation of Aidu. Aidu resulted from Adilo, Adilo is a

local contraption for smoking fresh meat.

The name Abocho Resulted from Abo-Icho (people that lives in the hunting territory of Icho).

The Icho or hunting territory granted or allowed onwabe to share common boundary.

Legends revealed that the Attah requested for a branch of an Agwugwu tree for the purpose.

He erroneously turn the branch upside down when his attention was drowned to the error, he

2
ordered that the tree branch should not be tampered with, saying that his error will reveal the

majesty of the Attah in that upside down position, the branch sprouted leaves, it was

promptly named "Agwugwu Egehi" the legendary tree is located at Aloji in present day Ofu

Local Government Area of Kogi state Nigeria.5

According to another tradition, in the western section of Igalaland, early settlements, based

on hunting and gathering and the cultivation of root crops, developed in the vicinity of the
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present Abocho and Elika. The first site of Abocho was at Okpakala, now deserted. The

traditions of the descendants of these early settlers point to a nearby Inselberg as their place

of origin. While in this original centre, the settlement was protected from all sides by lateritic

hills and mountains such as the Ojuwo Ogodo, the Ojuwo Ogbegbe, Ojuwo Ogbo-uta, Ojuwo

-Ofa, Ojuwo Ogwuro and Ojuwo Ogbakoji. Ojuwo Ogodo, at Elika , was worshipped and it

was forbidden to climb it because such attempts would lead to death, or bring other calamities

to the society.7 Here the main sustenance were hunting, gathering, and fishing. The rivers that

watered the area were the Eniji, the Owa, the Ajiafo, and the Ofoji.

With the increasing importance of the cultivation of root crops, the hilly environment of

Okpakala started to lose its importance because of its infertility. This led to the break- up of

this ancient settlement and the rise of a new one on the present site of Abocho;a very fertile

area, suitable for the cultivation of yams. The meaning of Abocho, which is closely

connected with the farming competition of two famous farmers during the earliest stage of

the development of their settlement at the actual area is an indication of the importance of the

area in the expansion of agriculture. This expansion eventually led to the rise of other centres

such as Olowa , Elika, Emewe, Ogbabede and Ofojo.

Surface observations at the site of Abocho have revealed some potsherds and some

unidentified collapsed structures. In the absence of any archeological work here, these

3
conclusions cannot be anything but speculative. However, the fact that the descendants of the

founders of the settlements at this earliest site still control the shrine of the earth God and

conduct all the other rituals associated with land- ownership might attest to their autochthonal

status.

According to the evidence available from Abocho itself, a group under one Ohida Apo, had

migrated from the present Koton karifi area, and passed through the area that came to be

known as Gbobe , and founded some settlements in the vicinity of the present Abocho. A

hunter by profession, Ohida Apo soon set up a permanent settlement because of the

availability of game.

The association of Ohida Apo with the area where there is a rock - shelter, named Igu Rock

shelter, believed to contain cultural materials of the Later Stone Agepoint to the antiquity of

settlement in the area. The Igu Rock -shelter, which has four inlets, contains potsherds

associated with the Oworo. The traditions there have it that the aborigines of the area were

Oworo.

The brother of Ohida Apo, called Ohiemi Kaka, is said to have gone down south along the

River Niger and founded settlements at Idah, Itobe and Ibaji. It is likely that some clans

claiming Igbirra origin, at Idah, Itobe, Ineme and Iyano, are derived from this early

migration. The Onu of Ineme , has the salutation of Ogaku Egbira meaning the "Terror of the

Igbirra".8

An important cultural development associated with this migration is the introduction of the

Egwu - afia, a form of ancestral worship. Tradition maintains that this form of ancestral

worship was introduced by Ohida Apo. The song of this masquerade is still in archaic Igbirra,

which is no longer understood even by the worshippers of the Egwu- afia. In Ineme, the

celebration of the Egwu-afia has assumed the status of a festival lasting many days, during

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which a series of purification rituals are carried out. The Uloko, Ohiogu, and Oyokwa

families of Iyano village in Ibaji , also celebrate similar festivals. 9

The expansion of population from the area of Abocho, Elika Emewe and Olowa, owing to a

variety of factors, including migration, seem to have eventually led to the rise of settlements

in the area now known as Odu , in the vicinity of modern Iyale and Anyigba. Odu soon

developed into an important ritual centre which attracted many people seeking one form of

protection or another. Athough the priests of these centre of rituals and of traditional healing

and protective charms, claim autochthonous status, it is quite likely that the first settlements

in the area had their origins from Abocho and the area immediately north of Odu and Iyale. 10

According to oral traditions, Abocho land was originally inhabited by the Igala people, who

are believed to be the earliest settlers in the region. The Igala people are an ethnic group in

Nigeria with a rich history and cultural heritage. They have occupied the area around the

confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers for centuries.11

It is important to note that the historical origin of Abocho land is complex and multifaceted,

influenced by various factors such as migrations, cultural interactions, and the dynamics of

neighboring communities. While the exact details may vary, the Igala people and their

presence in the region play a significant role in the historical origin of Abocho land.

Abocho is a Land of recountable History. The people of Abocho land are in love with the

location of their land. The present Abocho town was founded between 1906 1911 during the

reign of Oboni Akwu Odiba as Attah Igala. It was during that period that Obera Onalo of

Okwolo clan led his clan from their previous settlement of Akpakala to the present location.

Okwoli clan had settled at several different locations before Akpakala. The clan was always

relocating from one area to the other as a result of calamities befalling the clan or the arrival

or presence of members of the Igala royal family to their settlements.12

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Geographical Location of Abocho

Abocho area is one of the Igala speaking area in Kogi state. It is a community located in

Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state. Abocho town is the headquarters of Biraidu

District, and Biraidu is one of the three Districts of Dekina Local Government Area. 13

Geographically, Abocho is located on latitude of 7, 5677 and longitude of 6, 9863 and

Elevation of 412m. Abocho has about 6800 residents. Abocho is situated nearby to the

localities Gbokoluba and Ohuada. Towns and villages that make up Abocho include Ofafu,

Ibobo, Ajugbo, Ajegwu, Ajekelaga, Ajonoja, Ajichemu, Alokoli, Okate, Ojukpo, Ofoda,

Odomebie, Araba Salifu, Araba ldoko, Ajakeya, Atemekudi, Ajobaje, Agbokwula,

Ugbokolubo, Angwa, Adiele, Ogbobutu, Okowowolo, Ojogba, Ofoji Odeto, Ogbogbo.14

The area lies within the warm, humid climate zone of Nigeria. There is a distinctive wet

season Dichotomy. The wet season last from about April to the end of September or early

October while the dry season lasts from about October to about the end of March or early

April. Rainfall can be heavy and the effects of the harmattan can be severe, especially from

about November.15

Political Organization

The political organization of Abocho area in Biraidu District of Dekina Local Government

Area of Kogi state represent a complex interplay of tradition, culture and modern governance

system. It should be noted that the heart of the Abocho's governance structure lies its

traditional governance structure, which comprises of paramount ruler know as the Onuh

Abocho, Gago, Madaki, Achokolobia and other title holders responsible for decision making,

conflict resolution and resource management. This hierarchical system embodies principles

of inclusivity consensus and accountability. This is because leadership roles and

responsibilities are shared among the various stakeholders mentioned above. The paramount

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chief, the Onuh Abocho for instance, wield executive authority, while others provide

adversary support in matters of governance.16

Despite its adherence to traditional values and customs, political institution of Abocho has

not remained immune to the influence of modern governance system. The establishment of

local government structures, political parties, and electoral processes has introduced new

dynamics and challenges to traditional authority and power relations in the area. The

challenges range from infrastructure deficit, youth migration to urban centre for western

education and white collar jobs, to erosion of traditional values. However, amidst these

challenges, there are also opportunities for innovation, collaboration and revitalization as the

community seeks to adapt to changing realities while preserving its rich cultural heritage. 17

Socio -Cultural Organization of Abocho

It is a universal reality that humans organize themselves into association to facilitate

harmonious co- existence, and Abocho land in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state

in line with this reality have various and numerous socio-cultural groups.

Abocho Community Development Association, (A C D A)

Abocho Community Development Association is a community body associated with the

principal aim of developing Abocho land through communal efforts and attracting

Government Agency's attention to help improve the living standard of the people.

Function of abocho community development association include: Passing information from

the Government to the people through different medium.

 Maintaining the public borehole system to ensure availability of pipe borne water.

 Arranging the community security systems.

 Sensitization on Environmental Sanitation.

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  Appealing to Government for assistance in areas that is beyond communal efforts.

Abocho Women Association

Abocho Women Association is the umbrella body for the various women association in the

land. This body organized periodic meetings of the leaders of all women association in the

land. The women organization perfoms several functions such as:

 Serving as the mouth piece of the women

 Provide support to Abocho Development Association wherever their support is

required.

 Cater for the needs of the members when necessary.

Ebulejonu Association

Ebulejonu is a Socio-Cultural Organization principally organized by women elders for

providing moral guidance to Igala women. Due to the influence of Christianity, lslam and

technology that has eroded the core values and moral standard of the Igala people, the need of

a group of this nature became lmporative18

Function of Ebulejonu Association

 To sensitize women on their roles as community builders and molders.

 To inculcate the values and moral standard of the Igala culture and traditions.

 To impact the values of local foods and Traditional cooking styles.

 To encourage the women to lmbibe decent dressing styles both on themselves and

children.

 To arbitrate in disputes between wives and their husbands. These are the few of the

various socio-cultural groups that helped in maintaining a peaceful co-existence of

the people of the great Abocho Land.

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Economic Activities of Abocho

The Economic activity is an integral part of any society. Abocho community has evolved an

economic system over the years. Historically, Abocho has one of the early markets in Igala

land. The presence of a market in Abocho has greatly influenced economic activities of

Abocho community. Naturally Abocho land is well endowed with both human and natural

resources. Abocho people are hardworking and equally blessed with economic trees. Every

family has access to abundant palm trees, ogbono, locust beans, cashew etc. Abocho forests

boast of trees like lroko trees and others giant trees. 19 The tireless efforts of the people on

their farms resulted in Abocho being recognized for massive production of farm produce like

beans, palm oil, groundnuts etc. ln recognition of the farming activities of Abocho land, an

agricultural show was organise by the Government in Abocho in 1973 for the farmers to

show case their farm produce. Also, in recognition of the massive production of beans in

Abocho, a World Bank project established a beans demonstration farm at okowolo to teach

farmers how to properly farm beans.20

Abundant farm produce available In Abocho markets have always attracted traders from far

and near to Abocho. Abocho is recognized for the production of farm produce like cashew,

maize, yam, palm oil, cocoa, beans, beni-seed, locust beans, coffee, cassava etc. Some of the

traders attracted to Abocho because of its economices. 21 Different tribes like Nupe, Yoruba,

Igbo, Fulani, etc are in Abocho as a result of trading. There are hundreds of shops in Abocho

community retailing various items like foodstuffs, building materials, medicine shop,

cosmetics, shoes, clothes etc.

There are hotels and beer parlours catering for the relaxation needs of the people. From

Standard hotels like clean star and aluta to hot drink joint and popular beer parlours like

Orobo and Musa Adagba are daily engaged in economic activities on a daily basis. Artisans

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in the following areas like bicycle repairers motor mechanic, welders, vulcanize, carpenters,

brick layers, mason, blacksmiths etc. They all engaged in economic activities everyday in

Abocho land.22

Conclusion

In summary, politically the people have a traditional system of governance. They are

organized into clans or lineages, with each having its own leader. These leaders are

responsible for decision making and resolving conflicts within their respective lineages.

There is also a council of elders that provides guidance and advice to the chiefs.

Economically, the people rely mainly on Agriculture, hunting, fishing etc. Trading is also an

important of economic activities of the Abocho people exchanging goods with neighboring

communities. The Abocho people also have a rich cultural heritage and unique custom,

tradition and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation. The community

places a strong emphasis on communal living and co-operation, social gatherings, festivals

and ceremonies play vital role in their social fabric allowing them to celebrate their cultural

identity and heritage.

Endnotes

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1
Interview with Ocholi Etuth, 60 years old Native Historian from Abocho, January 17, 2025
2
Interview with Ocholi Etuth, January 17, 2025.
3
Interview with Ocholi Etuth, January 17, 2025.
4
Interview with Ocholi Etuth, January 17, 2025.
5
Interview with Musa Okith, 72 years Chronicler from Abocho, January 17, 2025
6
Interview with Musa Okith, January, 2025.
7
Interview with Mama Aminetu, 68 years Native Historian from Abocho, January 17, 2025
Interview with Mama Aminetu, January 17, 2025.
8

9
Interview with Idris Omeji, 56 years old Teacher from, Abocho, January 17, 2025
10
Interview with Idris Omeji, January 17, 2025
11
Interview with Idris Omeji, January 17, 2025
12
Interview with Mrs Adisetu Okith, 40 years old trader from, Abocho, January 17, 2025
13
P.E. Okwoli. A Short History of the Igala (Ilorin: Matanmi Press, 1973), 32
14
P.E. Okwoli. A Short History of the Igala, 33
15
P.E. Okwoli. A Short History of the Igala, 33
16
Interview with Abubakar Omeji, 60 years old community leader from Abocho, January 17, 2025
17
Interview Ojochegbe Haruna, 43 years old teacher from Abocho, January 17, 2025
18
Interview Egba Philip, 42 years old trader from Abocho, January 17, 2025
19
Interview Hajia Fati Yusuf 55 years old women leader from Abocho, January 17, 2025
20
Interview with jummai Musa, 52 years old trader from Abocho, January 17, 2025
21
Interview Nnadama Abubakar, 65 years old civil servant from Abocho, January 17, 2025
22
interview Alhaji Musa Okith, 50 years old farmer from Abocho, January 17, 2025