Kuteb

The Kuteb are a people of southern Taraba State, centred around Takum and neighbouring areas. They are one of the indigenous communities of the Benue-Cameroon borderlands and have a strong attachment to land, language and chieftaincy identity.

Kuteb oral traditions describe long settlement around Takum and the surrounding hills and valleys. Their history includes interaction with Jukun, Chamba, Tiv, Fulani and other neighbouring peoples, as well as modern disputes over land and traditional authority in the Takum area.

Kuteb society is organised through clans, villages, elders, title holders and traditional institutions. Family lineages, farming communities and local development associations remain important.

Traditional Kuteb religion included belief in a supreme being, ancestors and land-linked spirits. Christianity is now widespread, with Islam also present, while customary rites remain culturally important.

Kuteb customs include farming festivals, traditional dance, marriage negotiations and ceremonies connected to chiefly authority. Language preservation is a major concern among Kuteb cultural groups.