Tangale is the name of an indigenous people group found in the southern part of Gombe state in northeast Nigeria. Tangale is also the name of the language they speak.
Unpublished undergraduate research work by Ankale Yelyel (1976) shows that the name of the tribe TANGALE is derived from the name of their ruler, Mai Tangal – a chief of the Biliri clan who ruled from 1780 – 1795.
The name came from the way the people greet their ruler – “Tangal, le,” meaning, “Hi Tangal.” This theory is favored according to Rev. Samuila Kure (1987) mainly because it is common in Africa to have the name of a people or land taken after the name of their leader.
Mai Tangal is believed to have played a big role in reorganizing the Tangale people into seven clans under his leadership (Yelyel, 1976). The clans are Tangaltong (Billiri and Bare); Tal; Kalmai; Banganje; Tanglang; Todi and Nathe.
Presently, the major towns under the leadership of Mai Tangle in the Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State are Billiri; Kalmai; Banganje; Tanglang; Tal; Todi, and Tudu Kwaya.
Notable villages are Kumana (Billiri-Kufai); Komta; Pokwangli: Sikkirit; Lasale; Polido: Lawiltu; Ladongor; Amtawalam; Pobawure; Lawur-Kondo; Lamugu; Kukul; Ayaba; Kolok-Kwannin; Amtawalam; Pobawure; Lawur-Kondo; Lamugu; Kulkul; Ayaba; Kolok-Kwannin; Pandinkude; Kurum; Sabon Layi; (Popandi); Lakwanthiling (Lalai-Pitho); Dombe; layer: Shela; Kwi-Bwa; Tangji; La-Kwalak; Panguru; Lakelembu; Latoddo; Lakalkal; Bassa; Lasani; Kawampe; Ayansari; Poyali Lashikoltok etc.
DISTRICTS IN TANGALE CHIEFDOM
Before the colonial era, Tangale Chiefdom/Maidom had Seven (7) administrative districts under Mai Biliri, who was also the paramount ruler known as (Mai Tangle or Mai Yelli).
Presently, there are Nine (9) Operational Districts in Tangale Chiefdom/Maidom as follows:
1. Billiri District
2. Ladongor District
3. Tal District
4. Kalmai District
5. Bare District
6. Banganje District
7. Todi District
8. Tanglang District
9. Kwaya District