History is replete with examples of how relatively small and unorganised warriors defied and repelled large invading armies. One such example is the case of the small and relatively unorganised tribes of Plateau, who through sheer determination, valour and temerity repelled the uthman Danfodio invading Jihadists from conquering and occupying their lands.

As a consequence, amongst all the states in the North and Middle-belt, Plateau state is perhaps the only state not conquered by the Fulani Jihadists. And therefore it maintained its heritage, as an enclave for small tribes and ethnic minorities who are 95% Christian or animists. Little wonder, when one travels the breath of Plateau –from Jos to Mikang and Lantang South; small tribes like the Berom, Ron Kulere, Mushere, Mupun, Mwaghavul, Angas, Taroh, Long Goemai etc are encountered.

History is replete with examples of how relatively small and unorganised warriors defied and repelled large invading armies. One such example is the case of the small and relatively unorganised tribes of Plateau, who through sheer determination, valour and temerity repelled the uthman Danfodio invading Jihadists from conquering and occupying their lands.

As a consequence, amongst all the states in the North and Middle-belt, Plateau state is perhaps the only state not conquered by the Fulani Jihadists. And therefore it maintained its heritage, as an enclave for small tribes and ethnic minorities who are 95% Christian or animists. Little wonder, when one travels the breath of Plateau –from Jos to Mikang and Lantang South; small tribes like the Berom, Ron Kulere, Mushere, Mupun, Mwaghavul, Angas, Taroh, Long Goemai etc are encountered.

However, this cultural heritage and geographical distribution of Plateau as described above is not represented in Google Earth. For the benefit of those who are not familiar with what Google Earth is; it is a satellite-based software (can be downloaded to phone or computer), which you can use to view your state, city, town, house, school etc.

If you access Google Earth, and search the term “Plateau, Nigeria”, you’d think the state was a conquered territory and is now occupied by a mainly Hausa/Fulani population, because the entire breath of the state is covered in Mosques –carefully situated in various local governments of the state. The map suggests that Plateau has approximately 12 mosques and only 6 churches. Below is a snapshot of Plateau from Google Earth.

In the light of this therefore, one would then ask the question; Are these religious buildings the major landmarks of Plateau? Are these the things that Plateau state is best known for? Are these what will attract tourists to our state? Who is behind this mis-representation? What could their motive be? Why is it that important landmarks such as the Riyom rock, Shere Hills, Assop falls, the Jos Wildlife park etc) are less conspicuous but Mosques feature prominently? Which Mosque in Plateau state is so famous that it deserves such prominent representation on Google Earth even more than landmarks like NASCO, JIB etc, Is the population of Plateau state really that Hausa/Fulani are the dominant? Why are there several Mosques in Mangu but the world famous “Swan Springwater” or the famous schools in Gindiri (the citadel of learning of Plateau) is not shown on the map, why is it that several mosques feature in the southern senatorial zone but the Pandang game reserve is not shown?

To the next matter; type-in “Mangu, Nigeria” and see what comes up. As expected, you’d see that Mangu town is displayed correctly but next to Mangu itself is another town called Mangu Arna or “Mongu Arna” as they called it. Now, for the benefit of those who don’t know what “Mongu Arna” means, it means Mangu for Infidels. “Arna” is a derogatory word used by Northerners to describe someone who is construed to not be of the Islamic faith. I have consulted widely with inhabitants of Mangu to confirm if such a place exists, but all have confirmed that it doesn’t but they all claim to have heard it being used in Hausa/Fulani circles. They claim, that Mangu Arna is what the local Hausa Fulani Inhabitants call the main centre of Mangu Local government which is inhabited by Christians and Animists, whilst Mangu Hale –a suburb of Mangu, they refer to as “Mangu Hausawa”. With the representation of Mangu Arna or “Mongu Arna” (a derogatory and fictitious name) into Google Earth, it is clear that certain Northern elements are trying to distort and re-write the political and cultural heritage of Plateau people. Below is a snap shot of Mangu from Google Earth.

It is therefore shameful and unfortunate that a reputable organisation like “Google”, would allow mischievous Northern elements to infiltrate its folds and continue to attempt the realisation of their hitherto abandoned expansionist agenda. It is however not surprising because these Northern folks are known for their foresight and astute vision; continuously strategizing on ways to expand their influence and horizon by dominating ethnic minorities in the middlebelt. The thought that Google can be caught in such a scandal sends chills up my spine. One thought that such nonsensical and diabolical deeds were only possible in our deranged and confused Nigerian state, where the ultimate law of the land (the constitution) is continuously trounced and bastardised to allow the implementation of controversial principles such as sharia banking, governance and legislation, but it appears even multi-nationals are not immune to such political manoeuvrings. It would not be far fetched to argue thus: if Plateau state is not careful its cultural and geo-political heritage will be completely distorted, and replaced by an alien culture not representative of the heritage of the people -and posterity may not forgive us if that happens.

In the light of the above, what should illustrious sons of Mangu local government do about this sensitive issue? Well, in my opinion –the traditional chief of Mangu, the Chairman of Mwaghavul Development Association and the member representing Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency should write a strongly worded complaint (through the Plateau state government) to Google Nigeria, firstly outlining the derogatory meaning of “Mangu Arna” and then stating that such a place does not exist. They should then conclude by asking for the immediate revision of the label or its removal althogether. 

The address of Google Nigeria is:

3rd Floor, Mulliner Towers
39 Kingsway Road, Ikoyi
Lagos, Nigeria

Other information such as the email address for Google Nigeria’s customer servies can be found on the website.

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“Mangu Arna” An insult to the cultural heritage of Plateau people