Ikom
About
Ikom is a city and Local Government Area in Cross River State, South-South Nigeria, located on the Cross River and the A4 highway. The area covers 1,961 square kilometres and is known for farming, especially cocoa, bananas and plantains, as well as for the Afi monoliths, carved stones bearing an early form of writing sometimes linked to nsibidi. The Local Government Area lies in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State. Its people speak languages including Ofutop Bakor, Yala, Mbembe and Ejagham, and their main occupations are farming, trading and lumbering. Tourist attractions include the Ikom Town Beach and the carved monoliths at Alok and Nkarasi.
History
According to the article, the slave trade caused social disruption in Ikom, after which the area broke into separate independent units that attended individually to their needs, including defence. Traditional institutions, deities, dance and festivals remain common to these communities. Relics of early European traders who transacted business along the Cross River Coast, including ancient architectural structures used as residences and offices, can still be seen in the area.
Source: Wikipedia: Ikom
Key Facts
State
Cross River State
Headquarters
Ikom Local Government headquarters
Chairman
Mercy Nsor
Area
1961 km²
Population
79,103 (2016 census)