The Jukun People are an ethnolinguistic group in Nigeria and some parts of West Africa. The people are majorly found in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, and Gombe States in Nigeria. They are also found in parts of northwestern Cameroon. The people traced their roots to the people of Kwararafa. The Jukuns are a major ethnic group in Northern Nigeria as most of the tribes in the north-central trace their origin to them. The people are divided into two sub-groups, the Jukun Wanu and Jukun Wapa. The main center/capital of the people is Wukari and it is headed by the Aku Uka of Wakari.
Just like the other parts of the country, the Jukun people are predominantly farmers. They cultivate food and cash crops. There are also fishermen among the people, especially the Jukun Wanu who reside along the banks of River Benue and Niger. Cloth weaving and cloth dyeing are also peculiar to the people.
The Jukun language can be divided into six separate dialects. They are; Wakari, Donga, Kona, Gwana & Pindiga, Jibu, and Wase Tofa.
Until the coming of Christianity and Islam, the Jukun people were followers of their own traditional Religions. Nowadays, the majority of the people are Muslims with few Christians.
The people have a rich culture and tradition. This is well reflected in their traditional marriage. The bride price here is one of the least in Nigeria, so there are many marriages in the land. For a marriage to occur, the woman must be up to 18 years old and have the consent of her parents or guardian. Before the marriage proper (during courtship), the woman is entitled to Abegya (betrothal money), Abeben (bride price), and Andu (handbag). All these are according to the man’s pocket. The man is also expected to till the land for both his father and mother-in-law (little amount can be paid for this). Shortly after this is the solemnization. The Jukun traditional attire is made of different colors, patterns and weaves. The types of attire worn by the people include Kadzwe, Ayin-po, Adire, and Baku. Kadzwe are used by the Jukun rulers for royalty. The main color of their traditional attires is black and blue.