Jukun people (West Africa)

Jukun

Total population
> 209,600[1][2][3][4]
Regions with significant populations
Nigeria
Languages
Jukun
Religion
Jukun Traditional Religion, Christianity, Islam
Related ethnic groups
Kuteb, Tarok, Atyap, Afizere, Eggon, Berom, Bajju, Ham, Kanuri, Koro, Adara, Idoma, Igala, Ebira, Nupe, Gbagyi, Efik, Tiv, Igbo, Yoruba, and other Benue-Congo peoples of Middle Belt and southern Nigeria

Jukun (Njikum; Hausa: Kororofawa; Kanuri: Gwana, Kwana) are an ethno-linguistic group or ethnic nation in West Africa.^[5][6] The Jukun are traditionally located in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe States in Nigeria and parts of northwestern Cameroon.^{[citation needed]} They are descendants of the people of Kwararafa.^[7] Most of the tribes in the north central of Nigeria trace their origin to the Jukun people and are related in one way or the other to the Jukuns.^{[citation needed]} Until the coming of both Christianity and Islam, the Jukun people were followers of their own traditional religions. Most of the tribes, Alago, Agatu, Rendere, Goemai in Shendam, and others left Kwararafa when it disintegrated as a result of a power tussle ^{[citation needed]}. The Jukuns are divided into two major groups; the Jukun Wanu and Jukun Wapa.^[8] The Jukun Wanu are fishermen residing along the banks of the river Benue and Niger where they run through Taraba State, Benue State and Nasarawa State.^{[citation needed]} The Wukari Federation, headed by the Aku Uka of Wukari, is now the main centre of the Jukun people.^[9]