Biase


Biase is a Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Akpet Central. It has an area of 1,310 km² and a population of 169,183 at the 2006 census.

History

The people of Biase are direct descendants of Obutong town in Calabar. History has it that they migrated to present day Biase due to a brief conflict with their Efik brothers. The ancient killing twins was widely practiced by Biase people and their Efik brothers before Mary Slassor stopped it more than a century ago.

Tradition

Biase people observe all Efik traditions and dance including Ekpe, Ekombi and Abang. The Ekpe Society is the authority in some parts of Biase whilst Agban is observed in Ubaghara, while Abbu is observed by the Agwagune, okurike and Erei north mostly which comprises and Ijom across the River.

Language

The Efik language is the main language of Biase people but several variations of the Efik language, such as Ubaghara and Ukwa, are also spoken in Biase.
Other major languages spoken in Biase are the Agwagune, Efut, Erei, Ubahara and Umon.
The major language in Biase LGA is the ukpet language, which is spoken among the ukpet group of communities like Akparavuni, Umia, Ibogo, Akpet Central, Akpet 1, Ufut, Betem and others.
The postal code of the area is 542.