Wase, Nigeria

The region of Wase was founded around 1820 by a Fulani official in Bauchi, centered around the traditional walled town of the same name. At first, it served as a chiefdom ruled by the Jukun and was predominantly inhabited by the Basherawa, but it later became part of the British Royal Niger Company protectorate (later Northern Nigeria) following the arrival of British troops in 1898. Wase was a part of Plateau Province when it was established in 1926, and then Plateau State upon Nigerian Independence in 1960.

Around 321 hectares (790 acres) of land around Wase is conserved for wildlife development and serves as a bird sanctuary - local species include the Rossy White Pelican. The protected land includes Wase Rock, a massive dome-shaped inselberg of volcanic origin standing at 350m in height,[2] making it visible from a distance of some 40 km (25 miles).

The region is renowned for its mining activities due to a high concentration of lead, zinc, tin and other minerals. This has attracted considerable interest from Chinese investors who have constructed few local bridges and other infrastructure close to Wase's mining sites, although these services have not always reached the local community.[3]

Wase river

The 2016 census population of Wase LGA was 209,400. This was a substantial increase over the 2006 total of 159,861 and 1991 total of 102,336. However, historical population numbers are likely to be a significant under-count of the true figure, and census results are disputed.[4] There is a near-equal gender ratio (50.3% male) and a predominantly youthful population - 47.3% are younger than 15, whearas only 2.7% are aged 65 and over.

Two main tribal groups in the local council are the Fulani people ruled by an Emir and Basharawa (Yankham) people ruled by Rekna, who use the Yankham language. Emirs are selected by a council of seven kingmakers. The 13th Emir of Wase was Alhaji (Dr.) Haruna Abdullahi Maikano. He was nominated three months after the death of his father in September 2001, although this was not confirmed until the following year.[5] He was assisted by the Rekna of Bashar, Alh. Adamu Idris, in conducting the affairs of the traditional council, who rule in the absence of the emir. Haruna Abdullah died in September 2010 at the age of 64.[6] Alh Dr Muhammadu Sambo Haruna replaced late Dr Haruna Abdullah as the 14th Emir of Wase with effect from 28 October 2010.[7]

The Wase Emirate Council consists of four districts, namely: Wase, Bashar, Lamba, and Kadarko. Each of these districts is headed by a district head known as the "Hakimi", while the various towns and villages in the districts are headed by a chief known as "Sarki". Currently the Rekna of Bashar is the oldest paramount traditional ruler.