Balanga, Nigeria
Balanga is one of the eleven Local governments in Gombe State, Nigeria. It falls under the southern senatorial district of the state. Its administrative headquarters is located at Talasse town. The LGA is bordered by Yemaltu-Deba LGA to the north while to the south and east by Adamawa state and to the west by Shongom, Kaltungo and Akko LGA.[1]
Balanga | |
|---|---|
  Balanga Location in Nigeria | |
| Coordinates: 9°58′N 11°41′E | |
| Country |  Nigeria |
| State | Gombe State |
| Headquarters | Talasse |
| Government | |
| • Local Government Chairman and the Head of the Local Government Council | Garba Umar |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,626 km2 (628 sq mi) |
| Population (2006 census) | |
| • Total | 212,549 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
| 3-digit postal code prefix | 761 |
| ISO 3166 code | NG.GO.BA |
Geography
Balanga LGA encompasses a total area of 1,626 square kilometres.
Climate
The average temperature is 35 °C (95 °F). The average humidity is 17%, while the average wind speed is 4 km/h (2.5 mph).[2][3]
Population
The population of Balanga is estimated at 176,944 inhabitants with the huge majority being from members of the Hausa, Fulani and Waja tribes.[3]
Postal Code
The postal code of the area is 761.[4]
Languages
Hausa, Fulfulde and Waja languages are spoken extensively in the area.
Religion
Islam is the most commonly practiced religion in Balanga.[3]
Other settlements
The Loojaa settlement in Balanga Local Government Area is home to the extinct Jalaa language (bàsàrə̀n dà jàlààbè̩), a language isolate also known as Centúúm or Cen Tuum.[5]
Government
The chairman of the LGA is Garba Umar [6]
Communal clashes
On July 21, 2021, there was a communal violence where five people were injured and at least two houses burnt in Nyuwar community of Balanga. This led to the placement of Nyuwar, Jessu, Heme, Yolde Gilingitu, Sikam, Wala-Lunguda and environs under curfew.[7]
References
- "Balanga Local Government Area". www.finelib.com. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- "Nafada Local Government Area". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- "Balanga Local Government Area". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- "Post Offices- with map of LGA". NIPOST. Archived from the original on 7 October 2009. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
- Centúúm at Ethnologue (25th ed., 2022)
- "APC wins all 11 chairmanship, 114 councillorship seats in Gombe". 20 December 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- "Communal violence: Gombe imposes curfew on Balanga LGA". Daily Trust. 28 July 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
