Gombe, Gombe


Gombe is the capital city of Gombe State, north-eastern Nigeria, with an estimated population of 261,536. The city is the headquarters of the Gombe Emirate, a traditional state that covers most of Gombe State. Recent developments include an electrical generation operation forming the basis for the Dadin Kowa water project and the opening of the new Gombe Lawanti International Airport serving Gombe State.

Population

Gombe State is mainly populated by the Fulani people, constituting more than half of the state's population (more than 50% Other minor ethnic groups include the Bolewa, Tera, Waja and Hausa
The LGA has an area of 52 km² and a population of 268,000 at the 2006 census.
The postal code of the area is 760.

Politics

The current Local Government Chairman is Sani H. Dogarai.

Transport

Gombe is served by Sani Abacha Gombe Lawanti International Airport, and by a station on the eastern mainline of the national railway network and Gombe Line Terminal in mid-city. On Feb. 1, President Goodluck Jonathan announced that the Gombe -Kafancha-Kaduna intercity train services had been "rehabilitated", saying "the inauguration of the train services was crucial to the growth and development of the Gombe and other adjoining states." "Minister of Transport, Idris Umar... flagged off the Gombe-Kafanchan- Port Harcourt and Gombe- Kafanchan-Kaduna intercity train services."

Culture and education

Gombe is home to Gombe State University, Federal University of Kashere, Federal College of Education Gombe, College Of Legal And Islamic Studies Nafada, College of Education Billiri and State Polytechnic Bajoga, University of science and technology Kumo. The modern Pantami Stadium has replaced the older Abubakar Umar Memorial Stadium, and is home to the Gombe United F.C.

Economy

In 2008 an agreement was reached "to set up anti-venom manufacturing plant in Kaltungo General Hospital in Gombe," and provide medical training for snakebite patients. The Gombe State government ordered an additional N4 million in anti-venom for the hospital in 2009, due to a local increase in snakebites.

Sports

The city is home to the Gombe Bulls, 2017 Runner-up of the Nigerian Premier League.

Boko Haram

Gombe has been impacted by jihadist group Boko Haram's insurgency.
On 22 December 2014, a suicide bombing at a bus station killed over 20 people.
On 1 January 2015, a suicide bomber attacked a New Year's Eve service at a church, injuring several people. On 14 January 2015, a suicide bomber killed two people and left 14 wounded at a Gombe mosque.
On 2 February 2015, just minutes after a campaign rally by President Goodluck Johnathan, an attack by a female suicide bomber left one person dead and eighteen injured. Two blasts had occurred in the city the previous day, leaving five people dead. Local residents "have set up checkpoints to defend Gombe" according to the BBC.