Balanga is one of the eleven local government areas 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.
Contents
Geography/Climate
Balanga LGA encompasses a total area of 1,626 square kilometres or 628 square miles. The average wind speed in the Balanga LGA is 4 km/h, while the average humidity is 17%.
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).
The temperature in Balanga is rising significantly due to climate change, and warming stripes show a trend in the right direction.
Economy
The Balanga LGAs residents rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods, with crops like tomatoes, sorghum, maize, beans, and groundnuts being farmed nearby. Bentonite, limestone, granite, and topaz are among the mineral deposits in the Balanga LGA. The crucial Balanga Dam is located within the boundaries of Balanga LGA.
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.
Localities
Towns and Villages in Balanga LGA.
Balanga
Bambam
Bangu
Cham-mwona
Chum- Kindiyo
Daduya Hill
Dala- Waja
Degri
Dong
Gasi
Gelengu
Kulani
Nyuwar
Refele
Reme
Sikkam
Talasse
Swa
Postal Code
The postal code of the area is 761.
Languages
Hausa, Fulfulde and Waja languages are spoken extensively in the area.
Religion
Islam is the most commonly practiced religion in Balanga.
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.
Government
The chairman of the LGA is Garba Umar
Communal clashes
On 21 July 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.
Notable people
Salamatu Fada - scientist