Ika language (Nigeria)

The Ika language is spoken by the Ika people of Delta and Edo states of southern Nigeria. The Ika people are specifically located in the North-West of Delta State but some like Igbanke, Inyelen and Ekpon are presently located in Edo State. Ika communities mostly comprise the following: Agbor, Owa, Umunede, Owerre-Olubor, Mbiri, Abavo, Orogodo, Otolokpo, Igbodo, Ute-Okpu, Ute-Ugbeje, Idumuesah, Akumazi, Ekpon (Edo State), Igbanke (Edo State), Inyelen Edo State).

Ika
RegionDelta State, Nigeria
EthnicityIka people
Native speakers
Ika[1]
Niger–Congo
Language codes
ISO 639-3ikk
Glottologikaa1238

Other Ika communities found in Edo State are Owanikeke, Owa-Riuzo Idu and Igbogili. The Ika language has both elements of Edo and Igbo (with more Igbo influence). This is what makes the language unique. On Delta Radio there is now news in Ika. Ikas have commenced writing the Bible in their language, and right now the gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John have been published in Ika along with other books. Ifeanyi Okowa is a prominent son of Ika background.

There are other Ika speaking communities who are presently in Edo state, namely;

  • Igbanke
  • Ekpon
  • Owa
  • Ute Oheze
  • Ute Obagie

References
  1. Ika at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015)
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