Plateau State is one of the most heterogeneous, culturally and ethnically diverse regions in Nigeria, with over 50 indigenous ethnic groups alongside large non-indigenous and settler populations.
This rich heterogeneity defines the state’s social fabric, economic activities, and political landscape, making the state a “mini Nigeria”.
The state’s multifaceted diversity is evident in several core areas, creating a rich tapestry that fosters a vibrant cultural environment and promotes the interplay between indigenous groups.
Managing this diversity effectively requires a focus on inclusive governance, cross-cultural alliances, and interfaith dialogue.
These tribes and distinct indigenous ethnic groups are spread across the 17 Local Government Areas that make up the state.
Major Indigenous Tribes in Plateau State:
Berom: The Beroms are the largest indigenous ethnic group in Plateau State, and are primarily found in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Riyom, and Jos North LGAs.
Tarok: The Tarok or (Taroh) ethnic group is predominantly found in the southern zone of the state, specifically in Langtang North, Langtang South, Wase, Mikang, and Kanke LGAs.
Ngas (Angas): The Ngas are another major ethnic group in the state, with a heavy concentration in Pankshin and Kanke LGAs.
Mwaghavul: The Mwaghavul ethnic tribe is one of the dominant indigenous groups in the state and is found in Mangu and parts of Bokkos LGAs.
Afizere: The Afizere tribe is another major ethnic group culturally dominant in Jos East and Jos North LGAs.
Goemai: The Goemai tribe is a primary indigenous ethnic group inhabiting Shendam LGA.
Irigwe: The Irigwe tribe is also a major ethnic group in the state mainly situated in the Miango district of Bassa LGA.
Anaguta: The Anaguta is one of the ancestral and indigenous tribes of the Jos North capital zone.
Beyond the major tribes, other ethnic groups have come together to make Plateau State unique in terms of homogeneity.
Let’s take a look at a complete list of indigenous tribes in Plateau State
Afizere, Amo, Anaguta, Aten, Atakar
Bache, Basharawa, Berom, Bijim, Bogghom, Buji, Bwall.
Chakfem, Chokobo
Doemak, Duguza
Fier, Goemai, Gusu, Gwall.
Irigwe, Janji, Jarawa, Jere, Jipal, Jukun
Kadung, Kofyar (including Kwalla and Mernyang), Koenoem, Kulere,
Limoro, Miship, Montol, Mupun, Mushere, Mwaghavul.
Ngas, Pai, Pan, Piapung, Pyem, Ron, Sigdi, Tal, Tarok, Tehl, Youm.
Indigenous tribes by their LGAs
1. BARKIN LADI
Berom
Ron
Gang
Shagau
Ibas
2. BASSA
Irigwe
Amo
Rukuba
Buji
Chawe
Jere
Gusu
Kurama
Limoro
Tariya
Sanga
Janji,
Duguza
Chokobo
Bache
3. BOKKOS
Ron
Kulere
Mushere
4. RIYOM
Berom
Aten
Atakar
5. MANGU
Mwagwavul
Pyem
M’chip
Jipal
Chakfem
Mangun
6. MIKANG
Koenoem
Yuom
Tehl
Miryam
Piapung
7. PANKSHIN
Ngas
Mupun
Miship
Ron
Dokpai
Fier
Tal
Kadung
Pal
Bijim
8. QUANPAN
Kwalla
Goemai
Doemak
Gwall
9. JOS EAST
Afizere
10. JOS NORTH
Afizere
Berom
Anaguta
11. JOS SOUTH
Berom
12. KANAM
Bogghom
Jahr
Basharawa
13. KANKE
Boghom
Ngas
Myet
Taroh
Badawa
14. LANTANG NORTH
Taroh
15. LANTANG SOUTH
Taroh
1 6.WASE
Taroh
Jukun
17. Shendam
Goemai