SUMMARY
The Eggon (also Egon, Eggan, Mada Eggon and Megong) people are one of the four main ethnic groups in Nassarawa State in central Nigeria. While today mainly concentrated to Akwanga, Lafia and Nassarawa-Eggon Local Government Areas of the state, the group was historically located further north, in the Mada Hills. The area was difficult for the English colonizers to gain control of and up until the First World War, colonial administration was slight. However, after a period of intermittent clashes, the Europeans were able to conquer the hills and bring it under their control in 1917. This development was one of the factors behind the Eggons’ gradual migration south. Previously practicing intensive hill farming, the Eggon by coming increasingly under English control, needed to earn tax money and enter the cash-crop economy. Thus, the move south, to the plains, where there was an abundance of arable land. Since then, the Eggon have practiced a system of bush fallow agriculture, cultivating cassava, yams, maize, beans, rice, millet and a wide variety of subsidiary crops, exporting considerable amounts to the Nigerian food market.
Traditionally, Eggon society was chiefless, without any system of vested authority. Decision-making was based on consensus among the adult male population; a process that nevertheless could be influenced by the more powerful elders. However, when the group was brought under English control a new position of authority emerged. During the 1950s segments of the Eggon began pushing for a chief to represent them, which other people in the then Northern Region had. Subsequently, the position of “aren Eggon”, or “chief of Eggon” was introduced. The aren Eggon still remains an important symbol of ethnic identity and unity and carries out functions such as settling local disputes. However, while the aren Eggon is the paramount chief, there are other Eggon chiefs who consider themselves independent of the aren.
Religion-wise, the group is divided between Christianity, Islam and traditional religion.
The Eggon have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organized violence.
