BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF KONSHISHA

Konshisha Local Government was first created out of the former Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State on the 28th February, 1983. The Local Government was however scrapped in 1984 by the military Government which came to power at that time. However, it was recreated on the 4th February, 1989 by the General Ibrahim Bagandiga Administration with its headquarter in Tse-Agberagba. Konshisha Local Government shares boundaries with Gboko Local Government in the north, Gwer Local Government in the west, cross River State in the South and Ushongo Local Government in the east. Konshisha Local Government is named after River Konshisha which has its origin in Gboko Local Government and the headquarter is named after Late Pa Agberagba Yonkyo, who established a big market in the area. Population: Konshisha Local Government has a population of about 225,672 (2006 census figures). It has a land mass of 10.089 square kilometers. It is indeed one of the largest in the state. Geographical Location: Konshisha Local Government Area is located on a leveled land in the North East of Benue State with three (3) Local Governments and a state on its boarders viz; Gboko Local Government in the North, Gwer in the west, Ushongo and Vandeikya in the East with Cross River in the South. Konshisha Local Government Area lies between longitude 8o 400 East and Latitude 6o551 and 7o 231 North. It is situated in the Middle-Belt of Nigeria. Ethnic Composition: Konshisha Local Government Area Comprises two ethnic groups which are the Tivs who dominate as the majority group in the Local Government Area, while the other group is the Egedes which form a minority. This Egede speaking group is a little extraction from Oju Local Government otherwise known as the Ucholo which is a little group from the Shangev-Tiev part of Konshisha Local Government Area. They also pay taxes in Konshisha Local Government Area and are given job opportunities with the Konshisha Local Government Council. Council Wards: Konshisha Local Government has eleven (11) Council Wards/Districts, which are: i) Mbaikyase Council Ward ii) Mbatem Council ward iii) Ikyurav/Mbatwer council ward iv) Mbayegh/Mbaikyegh council ward v) Matsen Council ward vi) Iwarnyam council ward vii) Mbavaa council ward viii) Mbanor council ward ix) Mbatser/Mbagusa council ward x) Mbake council ward and xi) Mbawar council ward Development Area Offices: Konshisha Local Government has created five (5) Development Area offices and are located at these various places listed below: i). Yiav Development Area office - Gungul ii). Iwarev Development Area office - Korinya iii). Mbaaka Development Area office - Tongu iv). Diiv Development Area office - Manta v). Mbavaa Development Area Office - Amua These Development Area offices help in bringing the Government Administration closer to the people. These Development Area offices are headed by a Development Area Officer (DAO). Agricultural Potentials: The people of Konshisha Local Government are predominantly farmers and produce different variety of crops such as yams, cassava, rice, soya beans, Guinea corn, Groundnuts , oranges etc. Similarly, the people also do raise livestock. Some of the livestock reared in the area are goats, pigs, birds Fulani cattle and host of other domestic animals. Tourist attractions: Konshisha Local Government possess immense tourism potentials, unfortunately many remain unexploited. These tourist sites include:- Selagi Mountains: This is one of the beautiful tourist scenery in Konshisha which has interesting features. This mountain called “u wo-selagi”, according to history was said to be a refuge region for inhabitants within and outside Konshisha during war time. The “uwo-selagi” is situated in Mbagben District of Konshisha, a short distance from the Local Government Headquarters. More so, the mountain has water settled around it which is the major source of drinking water for the people around “Selagi” area. According to history, it is believed that the water found at the top of the mountain has healing powers whenever you dive, or take bath with it. Agila Mountain: The “Wuo Agila” is a mountain situated in the Mbagben. The “uwo Agila” also has water around it, which is one major source of water for the people settling around the area. Also the top of the Hill there are some demolished structures which was said to be built by the white Germans. Quarry This is another fantastic tourism attraction in Konshisha Local Government Area. Stones are extracted from the ground and are beautifully designed in a flat and spherical shape for grounding pepper, guinea corn and other herbs. Also the stones are broken into pieces for gravel which is used for building construction. The stone extraction which is known as quarrying activity take place at major places in Mbawar council ward of Konshisha Local Government Area. River/Lakes The Konshisha Local Government Headquarters has two water streams which are the major source of water in the Headquarter, Tse-Agberagba. The Rivers are the Alimenyi and Konshisha Which meander their way and meet together. Several water fall on both Unyimula, Kapa, Sambe and Ber-Aba are the noticeable tourist attraction in Konshisha. Ber-Aba Lake Ber means lake in English. The Lake is situated in the extreme part of Konshisha Local Government and the lake is named after the settlement. The Ber-Aba lake in Shangev-Tiev used to host fishing festival during dry season and it provides opportunity for picnic, which bring peace and togetherness. Arts and culture: Konshisha Local Government is blessed with talented composers and singers like the Late Paul Deunav, Jasper, Vandelun Baja and other cultural dances in Konshisha Local Government like the Kyureke, Ingyinga, Ingyough and the Takera dance. Also we have the likes of Late Pa Ikyon Gungul who was a strong and famous Kwaghhir dramatist arts performer. We also have other kwaghhir performers who came after Late Pa. Ikyon Gungul those include Ihumbe Adagi in Mbakpiam, Agala at Agbeede and many others. Social Amenities It is a pride to know that Konshisha Local Government is making tremendous efforts in raising the standard of living of the people in the area. There are over 150 primary schools in Konshisha and about 107 Post Primary Institutions. Women vocational centres, three club houses equipped with satellite dish, televisions, Generators and others. The PCI water scheme is also constructed in the Local Government so as to ease water problem in the area, besides SHAWAN project has arrived the local government and is providing water and sanitation to the people. More so, communication as a vital tool for human interaction, the people are linked within and outside world by the zain communication. Other networks that are received include MTN and Glo and Etisalat.
Links:
List of villages in Konshisha: https//nigerriazipcodes. com/Konshisha