The people group is Ukele, and the language is Kukele. English language is widely spoken, including the pidgin version. The history of their migration is not certain, but they are of Ekoi tribe. Since pockets of the Kukele language is found in the Efic and Agwagwune, Yakurr, bahumono, Bakor and Agbo groups of languages in Cross River State, they are presumed to have the same migrational history associated with the Bantu.
They are located in Nigeria; majorly in Northern Cross River State, with smaller groups in Benue (Idele,Uffia), Ebonyi (Ntezi), and Enugu (Effium). There is a group in Taraba state that is yet to be physically identified by this author. The Ukele group in Cross River State is bounded by Oju local government in Benue state, Izzi Local government in Ebonyi state. It is constituted in Yala Local Government Area and has a seat in the Cross River State House of Assembly, known as Yala 11 State constituency, created by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria. The people here are spread out in five political wards, namely; Wanihem, Wanikade, Wanokom, Ijiraga and Ntrigom/Nfuma. There is also a sixth Igede ward created by the Cross River State Independent Electoral ward.
They are sociable, kind and agrarian. They are exposed to modern education and participate actively in the local politics and also take employment in the public services. The locals take part in crop farming and trade. The major crops produced are yams, rice, cassava, maize, groundnuts. Millet and guinea corn which were produced in those days have become extinct, probably due to changing soil and climatic conditions. Fruits like oranges, mangoes, pears etc are available in subsistence quantities. They are also some artisans and tradesmen.
They are about mostly Christians. Some are animists and some believe in one God but are not affiliated with any religious beliefs. Their main cultural event is Likkpe newyam cultural festival, celebrated 16th September annually. It marks the celebration of the new yam harvest. Yam is the main staple of the people.
They need intervention mainly in roads infrastructure, water, electricity, healthcare services. They need intervention of government, NGOs and private individuals to meet these needs. They also need the service of activists to publicize these concerns with a view to attracting support from state and federal governments, international bodies, governmental, nongovernmental and humanitarian organisations/entities.
Urgent intervention by governments, governmental and nongovernmental organisations, humanitarian bodies and individuals in the areas of roads, electricity and water supply.
Scripture Prayers for the Kukele, Ukele in Nigeria.
Dr. Ogana Nick Lukpata Nigerian, Ukele indigene, politician, lawyer. Cross River State.
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