Long before modern boundaries carved up the terrain of Central Nigeria, nestled between what are now known as Kaduna and Nasarawa States, a people began to flourish in harmony with the land and nature itself.
The Nyankpa people, known in some historical and colonial texts as Yeskwa, are a resilient, culturally vibrant, and historically rooted ethnic group whose story remains one of the most under-told in Nigeria’s ethnographic landscape.
Today, as the world seeks authentic, immersive cultural experiences, the Nyankpa homeland offers a rare opportunity: not only to witness a people living their traditions but to walk through living history.
Found predominantly in the northeastern part of Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State and the southern part of Jama’a LGA in Kaduna State, the Nyankpa (plural: Anyankpa) are renowned for their unique cultural expressions, governance, language, festivals, and traditional wisdom. Their connection to their land, traditions, and identity is deeply intertwined, making a journey into Nyankpa territory not just a visit but an educational experience.
Early Formation: The Birth of Darigo
More than just a mountain, it is revered as the cradle of Nyankpa civilisation, a symbol of creation, rootedness, and ancestral memory. This origin narrative not only ties the Nyankpa people to their immediate geography but also instils a deep sense of pride in their beginnings. It is from this mountainous heartland that the Nyankpa people began to spread, building communities shaped by kinship, tradition, and an intimate knowledge of the land.
The Nyankpa Language: Four Voices, One Soul
Nyankpa is not only the name of the people but also their language, an expressive medium that reflects the people’s intellect, humour, spirituality, and social organisation. Although the name “Yeskwa” was commonly used by Hausa-Fulani settlers and colonial authorities, the people themselves proudly prefer “Nyankpa,” which translates to “One with the knowledge of leaves.”
This name carries profound meaning, referencing their deep connection to herbal medicine, nature, and indigenous science. The language is rich with four distinct dialects: Nyankpa Ejira, Nyankpa Ejung, Nyankpa Engbe, and Nyankpa Ogbom, each representing subgroups with slight linguistic variations but shared identity. The survival of these dialects, despite modern encroachments, speaks volumes about the community’s resilience and reverence for its heritage.
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Cultural Significance: Governance, Craftsmanship & Wisdom
The Nyankpa people maintain a monarchical governance system headed by the Odyong (King), who presides over affairs with the support of a council of elders and kingmakers known as the Asaci ’sa. This traditional structure fosters peace, order, and continuity within the society.
Each Nyankpa village is also governed by a respected family head known as Adyong Nyankpa Utep, who ensures unity at the grassroots level. Culture here is not an aesthetic; it is the bedrock of daily life.
Agriculture forms the heartbeat of the Nyankpa economy and culture. The people are skilled farmers, cultivating crops such as yam, maize, guinea corn, and millet, while also rearing livestock. Palm wine tapping stands out as a revered tradition so cherished that a popular saying warns, “It is far better to steal a Nyankpa man’s wife than to attempt stealing his palm-wine.”
This drink, along with guinea-corn wine known as Adek avu, features prominently in social gatherings, rituals, and festivals. The Nyankpa also engage in hunting, fishing, weaving, and crafting. Their expertise in herbal medicine and use of forest leaves for healing has earned them a reputation for traditional wisdom that is both sacred and practical.
Festivals and Tourism: Living Culture on Display
Visitors are treated not just as observers but as honoured guests who can partake in the rhythm of village life. With the scenic backdrop of Darigo Hill, fertile landscapes, and rivers ideal for fishing and exploration, the region offers tourism experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Hiking trails, heritage walks, and cultural immersion programs offer authentic experiences that enable guests to learn from local elders, participate in harvests, or simply appreciate the serenity of rural life.
Why You Must Visit Nyankpa Land
To journey into Nyankpa land is to discover a living repository of African knowledge, identity, and hospitality. It is an escape from the artificial and a reintroduction to the organic rhythms of life. Whether you’re a cultural anthropologist, a curious traveller, or a Nigerian seeking deeper connections to ancestral roots, the Nyankpa community promises not only to inform but to transform.
Here, every gesture tells a story, every landscape whispers a legend, and every interaction leaves a mark. The Nyankpa people are not just keepers of a heritage; they are teachers of how to live in tune with one’s origins. Their land is not just a destination; it is an awakening.
Conclusion: A People Worth Knowing, A Culture Worth Preserving
As Nigeria continues to evolve, the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures, such as that of the Nyankpa, becomes ever more vital. Their history, language, customs, and worldview are treasures not just for them but for humanity.
In a world that is quickly losing its ancient voices to modern noise, the Nyankpa remain a beacon of cultural clarity. Visiting their homeland is not just a tour, it’s a dialogue between past and present, between land and spirit. Let the journey begin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Nyankpa people located?
The Nyankpa people are primarily found in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and the southern part of Jama’a LGA in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
What language do the Nyankpa speak?
They speak the Nyankpa language, which includes four dialects: Ejira, Ejung, Engbe, and Ogbom.
What is the significance of Darigo Hill?
Darigo is a sacred mountain believed to be the origin of the first Nyankpa man. It holds historical and spiritual significance for the people.
What kind of governance system do the Nyankpa people practice?
They operate a traditional monarchy headed by the Odyong (King), supported by elders and village heads known as Adyong Nyankpa Utep.
What cultural practices make the Nyankpa community unique?
Their vibrant festivals, palm-wine tapping, traditional medicine, agriculture, and monarchical governance create a unique and immersive cultural experience.