This guide comprehensively lists all the local government areas in Taraba state with their elected chairman. Taraba State, located in northeastern Nigeria is named after the Taraba River, which flows through its southern part.
Taraba was created from Gongola State on August 27, 1991, by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government. The state is known as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation” because of its beautiful landscapes.
Its capital is Jalingo. Taraba has many ethnic groups, including the Fulani, Mumuye, Jukun, Kuteb, Tiv, Ichen, and Mambilla people.
However, the northern part is mostly Fulani, Wurkun, and Mumuye, while the southern part has Jukun, Tiv, and Kuteb. The central region has Fulani, Mambilla, and Ndola people.
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List Of Local Government Areas In Taraba State And Their Chairmen
Trarba state has 16 local government areas, each with an elected chairman:
- Ardo Kola – Hon. Ismail Zakari
- Bali – Aboki Dauda Dakka
- Donga – Hon. Ezra Voka
- Gashaka – Umar Yusuf Allurangari
- Gassol – Honourable Abubakar Sadiq
- Ibi – Iliya Mohammad Ajibu
- Jalingo – Hon. Aminu Jauro Hassan
- Karim Lamido – Hon Bitrus I. Danjos Jp
- Kurmi – Hon. Moses Maihankali
- Lau – Nigerian Ezra
- Sardauna – Hon. Mohammed J. Umar
- Takum – Honourable John Danjuma Ali
- Ussa – Amb. Peter Shenwun
- Wukari – Hon. Daudu Samaila
- Yorro – Hon. Martina Anthony
- Zing – Hon. Evang. Prince Davoro K. Titus
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Which Tribe Is The Largest In Taraba State?
The Mumuye people are the largest tribal group in Taraba State, Nigeria. They speak the Mumuye language and are found in several local government areas, including Zing, Yorro, Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, Gassol, Bali, and Gashaka.
The Mumuye are also present in some parts of the neighboring Adamawa State. However, they are divided into smaller independent groups, but they share cultural traditions and speak variations of the same language.
These groups, known as Dola, live in small villages and are governed by a council of elders and an elected leader. Historically, the Mumuye did not have a central government, and their society was structured around extended families.
The Mumuye people are part of the Benue River Valley, a region that has many different cultural groups. A shared feature among these groups is a strong spiritual connection to the land.
The Mumuye express themselves through human figurative sculptures, a tradition common in the Benue River Valley.
These sculptures can represent chiefs, ancestors, or heroes. Smaller figures made of clay are believed to bring good luck and protection.
Unlike some cultures, the Mumuye and other groups in the valley believe that the spirit world is calm and does not interfere much with human life.
Their sculptures are often androgynous, showing characteristics of both male and female forms. The Mumuye have a unique cultural identity that includes masquerades, scarification, and ceremonies.
One of their notable masquerades is the Vabon. They also hold a ceremony called Ushavuko twice a year. Religion also plays a big part in Mumuye’s life and is governed by a secret society called the Vabong. This society has seven levels, and initiation into it involves beatings and the teaching of sacred objects and masks.
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Which Local Government Has The Highest Population In Taraba State?
Wukari Local Government Area in Taraba State has the highest population among all the LGAs in the state, with a projected population of 406,900 as of 2025.
This makes Wukari a massive part of Taraba State’s overall demographic structure. The total population of Taraba State is estimated to be about 3.93 million in 2025.
This growth is affected by a high fertility rate and a youthful population, which is a common trend in many parts of Nigeria.
Wukari’s population is particularly notable not just because of its size but also due to its cultural diversity, with the Jukun people being the dominant ethnic group alongside other communities.
Looking at historical trends, Wukari has experienced steady population growth. In the 2006 national census, its population was recorded at approximately 238,283.
Since then, the number of residents has continued to increase, following the general population trend of Taraba State.
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Which LGA Is The Biggest In Taraba State By Land Mass?
Bali Local Government Area is the biggest in Taraba State by land mass, with an area of 9,146 square kilometers. This makes it not only the largest in the state but also one of the biggest LGAs in Nigeria in terms of geographical size.
To put its size into perspective, Bali is larger than some entire states in Nigeria, including Lagos, which has a land area of about 3,577 square kilometers.
The vast land area of Bali allows for different uses, with agriculture being the most prominent economic activity. Also, the region’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it suitable for farming, helping the cultivation of crops such as maize, yams, cassava, and different fruits.
In addition to farming, livestock rearing is also a common practice due to the availability of large grazing lands. This agricultural productivity makes Bali an important hub for food supply in Taraba State and beyond.
The demographic composition of Bali is diverse, with the Jukun people being the predominant ethnic group. Despite its vast size, the population density of Bali is relatively low compared to other LGAs, providing ample space for settlement and agricultural expansion.
This spaciousness contributes to a peaceful environment where communities can thrive without the pressures of overcrowding. Bali’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, as most residents engage in farming for their livelihood.
The large expanse of land allows for extensive cultivation, and the produce from Bali supports both local consumption and markets outside Taraba State. Then again, the availability of grazing lands also makes livestock farming a profitable venture for many residents.
