BIU: A Visit to a City on a Plateau (4)
Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
A Visit to Biu Emir’s Palace:
Chieftaincy is an important traditional institution of leadership in several communities. It is a system that provides leadership in a traditional, religious and communal engagement ever before the advent of the system of governance introduced by the British colonialists. Biu, as an old settlement has a vast historical record of its chieftaincy dating back to 1535. That was during the emergence of the legendary Yamtarawala as recorded in Dr. Bukar Usman’s A History of Biu. Biu had been a kingdom from the inception of the chieftaincy dynasty under Yamtarawala as the first ruler in 1535. The rulers were styled Kuthli or Mai (Kanuri import). Mai Ari Dogo 24th Chief of Biu was officially designated Emir of Biu in 1920 and Biu officially became Biu Emirate from that date. ‘Emir’ was derived from Arabic word ‘Amir’ meaning ‘Leader.’ In 1935 the colonial authorities further directed that the Chief of Biu should thenceforth be called ‘Mai.’ Hence the chiefs of Biu are variously addressed as Kuthli, Mai, Chief and/or Emir.
On Friday, 27th October, 2023 by 9:30am precisely, I visited the palace of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Biu, Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II. The main reason for the visit was to witness the turban ceremony of three illustrious sons of Biu with traditional titles – the Betara, Shettima and Zannah of Biu. The personalities that clinched the titles were men of eminence and caliber that excelled in serving the people of the emirate in various fields of endeavours.
The first of the three people turbaned was the Betara of Biu, former Chief of Army Staff, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General (rtd)Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR. Betara is one of the important traditional titles in the Biu emirate. He is one of the kingmakers and serves as ambassador to be assigned to represent the emir in any part of the world as the case may be.
The second is the Shettima of Biu, Rear-Admiral (rtd), Dr. Abdul Adamu Biu, OFR. The title is equally important as part of the political structures in the emirate. His roles include to serve as presiding officer when voting of a traditional title Lawan had arisen. Shettima is also an agent in politics and religion. He is to point and assign the right place to build a Jumu’at Mosque, choose an Imam to lead the congregation in the mosque in a given community within the emirate. He is to take the matter to the council for royal blessing and turban formalities.
The third person is the Zannah of Biu, Brigadier-General (rtd), Abdullahi Dadan Garba. The title is also part of the political structures pertaining to law and order in the emirate. For instance, whenever there is dispute in the emirate, Zannah is to take charge to settle it and take the report to the traditional council. Should the dispute be of a serious nature, it is forwarded to the emir for judgment process in the council. He also serves as ambassador to represent the emir at functions concerning governmental affairs or when a certain ministry or division wants to see the emir for further administrative or royal advice.
The Biu emir’s palace is magnificent, palatial and beautiful. It is decorated with traditional artistic designs. Though the main building is of the old architecture, constructed in the year 1904, it is given a facelift from time to time. Another thing of interest that drew my attention is the symbol of crocodile inscribed by the gate of the palace. In the course of an interview with the emir, I asked him about it and he said the crocodile serves as the symbol and insignia of Biu Emirate. He said that until recently, crocodiles inhabited nooks and crannies of Biu and its environs. They roam about without causing any harm to people as such they were regarded as pets. “This is one of the reasons crocodiles are chosen as the symbol of Biu Emirate, especially to serve as a sign of peace and resilience.” Emir of Biu clarified.
Biu emirate maintains cordial relationship and friendship with many emirates in many parts of Nigeria, more especially in the North. Many emirs and obas had graced the occasion while others sent emissaries. Those that attended included the Emir of Machina, Alhaji (Dr). Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, OON; Emir of Keffi, Alhaji (Dr). Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, CON and Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman. There were also some obas from Southern Nigeria. They included Oba (Dokta) Hammed Adekunle, CON; Makama Oyelude (Teghosun III), Oluwo of Kuta Kingdom from Osun State; Oba Khalid Olabisi, Okere of Shaki Kingdom etc.
The royal singers in Biu emirate are awesome entertainers. They play Algaita (local flute) and large drums. Their dancers usually brandish swords while dancing in array, forming a single row. Both the dancers and the drummers wear attractive costumes – colourful flowing gowns with turbans. What a nice scene to behold!
A Visit to Nigerian Army University Biu:
It is a fact that people of Biu cherish, adore and love anything about education. They are also resilient for they indulge in civil service and other jobs. That may be one of the reasons you find Biu indigenes in almost every ministry in both Borno State and the Federal Governments; many of them reaching the peak of their careers. Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) is the brain behind the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff. The institution was commissioned on 30th February, 2018 by the then President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
The first convocation took place on 21st February, 2019. The university has five faculties and runs 31degree programmes in science, arts, humanities and other technical fields. The first Vice-Chancellor was Professor Usman Ahmadu Mohammed, followed by Professor David Iliya Malgwi; Professor Fatima Tahir and the one currently on the saddle, Professor Kyari Mohammed. The Chancellor is Major General (rtd), His Royal Majesty, Felix Mujakperou, CFR, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.
NAUB is the highest institution of learning in Biu Emirate and it enjoys wide landmass with gigantic mansions architecturally built to accommodate all it needs in terms of accommodation, offices, classrooms, theatres and a host of others. I witnessed the first Graduation Ceremony of the university that took place on Saturday 28th October, 2023. A total number of 417 students graduated – 20 First Class, 207 Second Class Upper, 186 Second Class Lower and 4 got Pass. Two eminent personalities were awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees for their roles in rendering services to humanity. Lieutenant General Buratai was awarded Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) and Major General Felix Mujakperou was conferred the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa).
A Visit to Tilla Hill and Tilla Lake:
One of the most fascinating places I visited in Biu emirate is the Tilla Hill and its crater lake. Both are located in Ƙwaya Bura village, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State though it’s under Biu Emirate in terms of traditional administrative structure.
Tilla Hill is high and so can be sighted from afar. As documented by Dr. Usman in his book A History of Biu, the Hill is situated at Latitude 10.5500° and Longitude 12.1333°. It is also 2,900 feet or 883.92 metres high above sea level.
In the case of the Lake, during my visit it was full. According to my guide, Malam Umar Midala, he told me that the Lake is very deep. Fishermen do practice their trade on it though at the time of the visit we didn’t meet any of them. We only found a canoe and some of their tools. Maybe they had left to the market because it was on a Monday, the official Biu main market day.
There are fascinating stories regarding the adventurous Hill and the Lake. For instance, it is on record that about two decades ago, the Lake had dried up and the crocodiles in it disappeared too. But in what one can refer to as a miracle, a will of Allah, the Lake just filled up again as it was before and some of the crocodiles reappeared too though during my visit, I was not lucky to see the reptiles. Maybe by that time, they were hidden in the water or elsewhere within the Lake. Another source had intimated that the water is medicinal. It cures body rashes and even madness to some extent.
Whatever one may say or hear about the wonderful Hill and the Lake, one thing is quite certain – it is indeed a sign of God’s wonders and serenity abounds within their vicinity. The place can be very attractive for tourism. No wonder I saw some buildings erected by the government for the use of tourists. The structures are now in bad condition due to disrepair and neglect. It is very important for the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Borno State or even the Federal Government to look into the area for it can be effectively utilised as a revenue spinner through tourism.
A Visit to Mysterious Cemetery at Viukuthla:
The village of Viukuthla is one of the historical sites in Biu emirate because history had it that the legendary warrior Yamtarawala had once settled there with his people before relocating to other buoyant and greener areas. Today, the area is also important to the people of the emirate because it houses the royal, mysterious cemetery where remains of Biu kings are buried. I visited the cemetery where the caretaker, Malam Bukar Musa Viukuthla took me round and explained some of the mysteries attributed to it.
“The temperature in this place is always constant – cool and humid. There is beehive hidden in one of the baobab trees in the cemetery. One of the mysteries with the bees is that they repel anyone or group of people that come to the cemetery with evil intention or who wants to commit anything mischievous,” says Malam Musa.
He further narrated another mystery. He said there is a magnetic force that usually tames any criminal that enters the cemetery. In a graphic example, Malam Musa narrated an instance when some thieves were pursued from Biu town and one of them entered the cemetery. He was mysteriously held by that imaginary force. He failed to move out till his pursuers apprehended him. His other comrades escaped because they didn’t enter the cemetery.
Another story is about the presence of pythons in the cemetery. The caretaker showed me some flat stones under the baobab trees. According to him he uses the stones as bowls to feed the snakes. He pours cow milk in the bowls from time to time and the pythons come out to drink it.
“One thing exhibited by these pythons is that whenever the emir of Biu dies the presumed leader of the pythons mysteriously appears,” the caretaker explains.
Elaborating further, he said “for example whenever the emir of Biu dies, the head python appears and stays at the branch of that baobab tree (pointing at the big tree). Anybody that enters the cemetery must bend his head in reverence to the deceased. Failing to bow down, one cannot pass into the cemetery. The python had appeared during the burial of Emir Mai Umar. But during that of Emir Mai Mustapha, the snake didn’t appear though another different mystery occurred. At night when Mai Mustapha died, there was darkness everywhere. Then an unusual light brightened the whole area. The light subsisted till early morning hours.”
Occasionally His Royal Highness the Emir of Biu pays visits to the cemetery and offers special prayer to his predecessors. In the past during such visits the emir used to sit on a stone under the big baobab tree at the entrance of the cemetery. A large calabash containing fura da nono was placed before him. The emir will carry ladle and start sharing the gruel-like staple to people as charity.
“As time changes, so many things do change. The current emir, Mai Mustapha II changed the pattern of the visits to the royal cemetery. Whenever he visits, instead of sharing fura da nono he shares money to the needy. He also slaughters cow and shares the meat as charity.” Malam Musa added.
I saw some of the royal tombs where past emirs were laid to rest. These include the tombs of Mai Ali Dogo (1908-1935), Mai Ali Gurgur (1935-1951), Mai Mustapha Aliyu (1959-1989) and Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu (1989-2020). May Allah have mercy on their gentle souls, Amin.
Regarding the serenity, cool and humid atmosphere in the cemetery, I certainly testify to it because at the time we stepped out from the area, I felt excessive heat. This might be as a result of scorching sun outside while the cemetery was surrounded by big trees that provide serene atmosphere.
After we left the cemetery, Malam Musa led us to one old mysterious baobab tree. The trunk of the tree has fallen down flat but to my surprise, it’s alive and kicking. It has branches and green leaves. He said that according to oral history, the tree outlived everyone in the present-day Biu emirate. Musa said “even the legendary Yamtarawala came and met the tree here.”
As the custodian of the cemetery, he said according to what his grandparents told him regarding the fallen baobab tree, when Yamtarawala and his people came to Viukuthla, he sat beside it and hung his bow and arrows on one of the branches of the tree. “As he made it a habit, the tree mysteriously went down and stayed put up to today,” says Musa.
I climbed the trunk of that mysterious, historical baobab tree and Umar Midala gave me a camera shot. In my little analysis, the contentious tree is more than 400 years old. This is because records have it that, Yamtarawala and his people came to Biu area around the year 1530.
My Visit to the First Public Library in Biu:
When it comes to the issue of education, Biu people are serious and ever ready to sacrifice anything for it. The first public library in Biu was built in the 1950s, during the rule of British colonialists. It was reconstructed in 1978 to suit modernity. I visited the library and Malam Hussaini Yusuf as the head librarian took me round. I saw a lot of books though most of them were outdated. I also sighted a lot of Dr. Bukar Usman’s books occupying many shelves in the library.
Another thing I observed in the library was that, there were no current newspapers and journals. The structure also lacks adequate tables and chairs. Even out of the available ones, some are broken. Some sections of the building need repair because the roofing looks dilapidated. It’s high time the government and well-to-do individuals come to the aid of this historical edifice.
In our discussion, Malam Yusuf the librarian had told me that, “by next Friday, 3rd November, 2023 I will retire from work after serving for 33 years.” That means as I am putting this report now, he has already retired.
He also commended the efforts of Dr. Bukar Usman in donating books to the library. “He contributed a lot to this library, more than any person in Biu. You can see his books everywhere on our shelves. Whenever his new book is published, he donates cartons of it to the library. May Allah reward and support his efforts, Amin.”
A Visit to the Biu Vocational Training Centre:
Biu people are very industrious. While majority of them are farmers, there are civil servants, technocrats, traders etc. It’s very hard to find a typical Babur/Bura man or woman living idle. I confirmed this assertion when I visited the Biu Vocational Training Centre located in Biu Town on 30th October, 2023. The Centre, according to the Vice-Principal, Mr. Steven Yaro Mshelia was built by Borno State Government under Governor, Prof. Umara Zulum in the year 2022.
The project was completed in August 2023 while it commenced operation in September 2023. The Centre is equipped with relevant tools and machineries for learning and practical. I met the Vice-Principal and some other staff who took us to various departments in the Centre.
He said that at the initial stage there was lack of adequate and qualified staff in the Centre and the governor ordered the immediate recruitment of 36 more.
“The major aim of this Centre is to assist the community in terms of providing job opportunities to the youths by teaching them handwork. This will curtail the menace of idleness because as they say, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.
“Borno State is in dire need of technological advancement and that’s why the Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. I call upon our youths, both male and female to take advantage and learn various trades. I pray to Allah to reward the governor,” says Mr. Mshelia.
While guiding us to various sections of the Centre, the principal said that they have 16 departments. These include Departments of Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering, Auto Mechanic, Carpentry, Computer and Ginnery. Others are Knitting Department, Hair Dressing Saloon, Cosmetics, Building, and Tailoring.
At the Hair Dressing Saloon Department, I engaged one of the students, Zainab Musa Ibrahim. She told me how she is coping with learning the new skill. According to her, the course is of six months duration and she’s learning very fast in just two months of her enrollment.
“I am understanding very well because our tutors are trying. My ambition is to establish my personal hair dressing saloon after I graduate, in order to help myself and my community. I thank Allah and Governor Zulum for his contribution to the Centre. I hold an NCE Certificate but I don’t have a job or trade. That’s why I come to this Centre to learn a trade to depend upon,” says Zainab.
At the Auto Mechanic Department, I met the students busy and fully engaged with activities. I had a short interview with one of them, Musa Suleiman Alkali. According to him, he and his fellow students are appreciating their course. “In just two months, we learnt a lot concerning auto mechanics. Right now, I can dismantle a car engine and fix it back without any problem. My main ambition upon graduation is to establish an auto mechanics workshop. I call on my fellow youths to shun idleness. Let them learn a trade to fend for themselves. Let the youths stop waiting for white collar jobs because government cannot employ everyone,” says Alkali.
I also visited the Computer Department where I met students paying attention to their instructor. I engaged one of them, Esther Ayuba in a chat concerning her studies at the Centre and she responded thus: “My ambition is to establish a business centre in order to help our community. I want my fellow ladies to come and engage in computer studies because it’s not for men alone. Let the youths shun idleness. They should come to this Centre and learn a trade instead of staying idle. On behalf of my fellow students of the Centre, we extend our thanks and appreciation to Governor Zulum for developing the Centre. May Allah reward him.
In my general assessment, considering the way the Centre is built, fully equipped with instructional materials/machineries, more so with the commitment of the tutors, the management staff and the ever ready to learn students, I conclude that really people of Biu and indeed that of the entire Borno State are about to reap a lot from the work of this Centre.
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This is part 4 of the travelogue. In part 5 and indeed the concluding piece, I will discuss some influential people of Bura/Babur I interacted with. They include the Emir of Biu, His Royal Highness Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, Dr. Bukar Usman, OON, former Permanent Secretary in the Presidency and Lieutenant General (rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR, former Chief of Army Staff. Others are the Sarauniya of Biu, Hajia Larai Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu, His Highness the Birma of Biu, Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Biu, the matron of the first clinic in Biu, the famous nationalist, Dr. Wandali Arhyel Dibal and of course my friend and guide, Malam Umar Mohammed Midala.
Your work always pleased my hear. As I was reading, my heart visualized the setting and background. The only way to know ourselves better is to go back to history..
Thank you very much Malam Murtala for the encouraging and supportive comment. May Allah bless.
Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi.
Well done Bashir for the write up. We expect more from you.
Ma sha Allah. Thank you very much Malam Bala for all the support and encouragement.
Ma sha Allah. Thank you for the encouragement.
My name is IORASEGH SABINA and I am here to say that NO ONE alive makes history seem like the present except DR USMAN BUKAR and I am thankful to have met you Sir, thank you for always making sure we understand all you write, thank you for taking us back in the days.. God be with you
You are most welcome Mr. Sabina. I’m Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi the author of this travelogue on Biu. You’re right what you say on Dr. Bukar Usman.
Thanks.
Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi.
History is the knowledge of and study of the past. It is the story of the past and a form of a collective memory.
The book of Dr Bukar Usman tittle: The History of Biu, contain everything. I will advise people to have the book and read
You are right. The book, A History of Biu is an authority when it comes to the history of Biu.
Thanks.
Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi.
The book ‘History of Biu’ by Dr. Bukar Usman has covered everything indeed. Many from around the world has come to know much about Biu and the Emirate through this book. Thank you very much Dr Bukar Usman for the well done Job