Tarka Local Government Area
Tarka is one of Benue's smallest LGAs by land area and is predominantly agricultural.
Communities & Notable Areas in Tarka LGA
Tarka LGA encompasses the following major communities, neighbourhoods, and areas:
History of Tarka LGA
Tarka is associated with Tiv communities and agricultural settlement. It was named in honour of Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a major Nigerian political figure from Benue.
Geography of Tarka LGA
The LGA consists mainly of Guinea savanna plains and cultivated farmland, with Wannune serving as the headquarters.
Economy of Tarka LGA
Agriculture is dominant, especially yam, cassava, maize, rice and soybean. Commerce, transportation and small-scale processing also contribute to the economy.
About Tarka LGA — Key Facts & Context
Tarka Local Government Area (LGA) is one of the many LGAs that make up Benue State in Nigeria. Local Government Areas are the third tier of government in Nigeria, below the federal and state governments. Each LGA is governed by an elected Local Government Chairman and councillors, responsible for primary education, basic healthcare, local roads, and community development.
Size and Geography
Tarka LGA covers an area of approximately 371 km². Its administrative headquarters is at Wannune.
History of Tarka LGA Creation
Tarka LGA was formally established in 1976 as part of Nigeria's local government reform exercises carried out by the federal military government. Nigeria's current system of 774 LGAs was built through a series of administrative reforms — most significantly the 1976 reform under General Murtala Muhammed and subsequent exercises in 1991 and 1996. For the full context, see History of State Creation in Nigeria.
Tarka LGA and Benue State
As part of Benue State in the North Central geopolitical zone, Tarka LGA contributes to the political, economic, and cultural character of the state. To see all LGAs in Benue State, visit the full LGA listing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tarka LGA
What is Tarka LGA known for?
Tarka is one of Benue's smallest LGAs by land area and is predominantly agricultural.
What is the headquarters of Tarka LGA?
The headquarters of Tarka LGA is Wannune, Benue State, Nigeria.
Which local government is Tarka in Benue State?
Tarka is its own Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is Wannune. The LGA covers an area of approximately 371 km².
What are the communities in Tarka LGA?
The major communities and notable areas in Tarka LGA include: Wannune, Tse-Kucha, Nanev communities.
When was Tarka LGA created?
Tarka LGA was created in 1976, making it approximately 50 years old. It was established as part of Nigeria's LGA creation exercises under the federal military government.
How large is Tarka LGA in Benue State?
Tarka LGA covers an area of approximately 371 square kilometres (km²), making it one of the LGAs in Benue State.
What is the population of Tarka LGA?
The estimated population of Tarka LGA is approximately 123429. Note that Nigeria's last official census was conducted in 2006, so current population figures are estimates based on projections.