Chadic · Nigeria’s peoples

Tangale

The Tangale of southern Gombe State take their name from Tangal, a chief of Billiri.

At a glance

Where do the Tangale people live?: Their homeland is in Akko and Billiri in Gombe State, across 2 local government areas. They are also a large share of Kaltungo and Shomgom in Gombe State.
What language do the Tangale speak?: Tangale, a language of the Chadic family (Afro-Asiatic › Chadic).
Who is the traditional ruler of the Tangale?: Mai Tangale, seated at Billiri.

Overview

The Tangale of southern Gombe State take their name from Tangal, a chief of Billiri. Since 1295 the western Tangale have been led by rulers called the Mai Tangle.^[2]Medium confidence

Where the Tangale live

Local government areas by state. Homeland: the group is the majority. Shared area: a large share of a mixed area. Smaller presence: present, but a small share.

Gombe
- Akko(Homeland)
- Billiri(Homeland)
- Kaltungo(Shared area)
- Shomgom(Shared area)

Areas are approximate and show where people live. They are not claims of land ownership.

Communities beyond the homeland

Billiri (Tangle)

Billiri, Gombe State: Bare, Kantali.^[4]High confidence

The main settlement of the Tangale, who say they came here through Borno, leaving Sanum Kede and Kupto because of wars; Billiri, Bare and Kantali belong to Tangaltong, one of the seven Tangale clans.^[4]

Kaltungo

Kaltungo, Gombe State.^[5]Medium confidence

Language

Tangale, a language of the Chadic family (Afro-Asiatic › Chadic). ISO 639-3: tan.^[1]High confidence

Traditional ruler

Mai Tangale, seated at Billiri.^[2]Medium confidence

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).