The British eyed Mumuye land

This is a retrospective chip-in for the reader to muse over what would have been of Mumuye land presently If fate had twisted positively with the following developments from early records of the Bristish days in Adamawa Province of colonial Nigeria? 

The area in view was later part of the 1966 North eastern State, then 1976 Gongola state and now Adamawa and Taraba states.

By 1926, the debate was rife as to which site should replace Yola as the provincial headquarters of Adamawa.

Yola had earlier on fallen out of favor with the British because of its stuffy, hot and humid all year round weather.

The weather bred pests and ailments of all kinds unfavorable to the colonial workers.

In 1928, suggestions were still being considered. At a certain point it was recorded, “further reconnaissance was made around Numan, Chukkol, Alkali-Manga and Dapanti”. The later 3 are now in Mayobelwa LGA and Nasarawo-Jereng Development Area of Adamawa state.

Earlier favorable suggestions had been made on “the Numan-Mumuye area as being high and cool; Kunini or even lofty Pantisawa and Mika”

In 1929, the records went on that the Lieutenant-Governor of Northern Nigeria visited Yola and is said to have given his go ahead for a three months’ trial move to Mayofaran.

Then “His Excellency declared in 1930 that this twenty year vacillation must come to an end”.  By now the current Resident (Adamawa) was said to be “favoring Pantisawa, despite opposition from the D.O. Muri division, who advocated Zing, and from other officers who preferred Jereng . . .”

So close was the Mumuye land in proximity to a historic single decision that wasn't made.

It would probably have been quite a different story being told about the Mumuyeland and the People today. 

- By Haruna Yakubu Tolenyashong

- Culled from:-

ADAMAWA PAST AND PRESENT, by A. H. M. Kirk-Greene. Pp203  Oxford University Press, 1958.