Isoko

The Isoko are an ethnic group in southern Nigeria, native to the Niger Delta region and predominantly located in Delta State. They form part of the Edoid group within the Niger-Congo language family and share cultural and linguistic ties with neighboring Edoid peoples.

Geographically, the core Isoko homeland encompasses Isoko North and Isoko South Local Government Areas of Delta State, with numerous communities along the delta corridor and surrounding settlements. The Isoko language is the principal tongue, belonging to the Edoid branch of the Niger-Congo family, and it includes several dialects. Most Isoko people are bilingual, commonly speaking English and Pidgin alongside their native language.

In social life, Isoko communities are traditionally organized around villages and elder-led councils, with local customs and rites playing a significant role in daily life. Economic activity centers on farming (notably yam and cassava), fishing, and trading, with many communities also participating in regional commerce. The arts include crafts and music that reflect local stories and histories.

Religiously, Christianity is the predominant faith among the Isoko today, with Islam and traditional beliefs also present in various communities. Historically, the Isoko were part of broader Niger Delta trade networks and maintained interactions with neighboring Edoid groups and other delta peoples, contributing to a culturally diverse region. In contemporary times, Isoko communities participate in Delta State politics and the broader economy of the Niger Delta, including the oil and gas sector that influences the region.