Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
Chief Abomtse Daniel, a prominent traditional leader among the Tiv people in Benue State, has voiced concerns over the diminishing unity within the Tiv nation, attributing it in part to the increasing trend of intermarriages outside close family circles. In remarks shared widely on social media on December 21, 2025, the chief urged Tiv men and women to prioritize marrying within their extended families, arguing that this practice would reinforce communal bonds and preserve the strength of the Tiv community.
As the Ter Tyoshin and Chairman of the Tyoshin Traditional Council in Gwer West Local Government Area, Chief Abomtse Daniel holds significant influence in Tiv cultural matters. His statement comes amid ongoing discussions about social cohesion in Tiv land, where traditional values emphasize strong kinship ties. He contended that marriages to outsiders dilute these connections, potentially weakening the collective identity and solidarity that have historically defined the Tiv people.
The Tiv, one of Nigeria’s major ethnic groups primarily residing in Benue State, have a rich cultural heritage centered on family and community. Traditional leaders like Chief Abomtse often play a key role in guiding social norms, and his advice reflects a desire to revive practices seen as vital for maintaining harmony. Supporters of such views argue that endogamous marriages—those within the group—help sustain cultural continuity and mutual support systems essential in rural communities.
However, this perspective arrives at a time when broader Nigerian society, including Tiv youth in urban areas, increasingly embraces inter-ethnic and exogamous marriages as symbols of national integration and personal choice. Recent cultural reforms by higher Tiv authorities, such as the Tor Tiv, have focused on other issues like capping bride prices and regulating burial practices, but have not directly addressed intermarriage preferences.
Chief Abomtse’s comments have sparked conversations online and within Tiv circles, with some praising the call for cultural preservation and others questioning its practicality in a modern, diverse Nigeria. As the Tiv nation navigates these tensions between tradition and contemporary realities, voices like his highlight the ongoing effort to balance heritage with change. Whether this advice gains widespread traction remains to be seen, but it underscores the enduring role of traditional rulers in shaping community values.
