Zamfara State

Introduction

Zamfara State (Hausa: Jihar Zamfara; Fula: Leydi Zamfara) is a culturally rich and historically significant state located in the northwestern region of Nigeria. Created on October 1, 1996, during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, Zamfara was carved out of the former Sokoto State. Its capital, Gusau, serves as the administrative and economic hub of the state. Zamfara is bordered by the Republic of Niger to the north, Kaduna State to the south, Katsina State to the east, and Sokoto and Kebbi States to the west. The state spans an area of 38,418 square kilometers and is home to a population of over 3.2 million people (according to the 2006 census), making it one of the most densely populated states in northern Nigeria.

Zamfara is renowned for its agricultural productivity and mineral wealth, particularly gold, which has positioned it as a key player in Nigeria’s economy. The state is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, with smaller communities of Gobirawa, Burmawa, and other indigenous peoples. These groups contribute to the state’s vibrant cultural heritage, which is reflected in its traditions, languages, and festivals. Hausa is the most widely spoken language, while English serves as the official language for governance and education.

The state’s motto, “Farming is Our Pride,” underscores its agricultural significance. Zamfara is a major producer of crops such as millet, guinea corn, maize, rice, and cotton, which are vital to Nigeria’s food security. In recent years, the discovery of gold and other mineral resources has further boosted the state’s economic profile, albeit with challenges such as illegal mining and environmental degradation.

Despite its economic potential, Zamfara faces significant challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and health crises like lead poisoning from artisanal mining. However, the state remains a beacon of resilience, with its people working tirelessly to overcome these obstacles and harness their rich cultural and natural resources for sustainable development.

Historical Background

The history of Zamfara State is deeply rooted in the ancient Hausa Kingdoms, which flourished in West Africa between the 11th and 19th centuries. Zamfara was one of the original Hausa Bakwai (seven legitimate Hausa states), alongside Kano, Katsina, Gobir, Zazzau (Zaria), Daura, Rano, and Biram. The earliest inhabitants of Zamfara were said to be hunters and giants who established their first settlement at Dutsi, which served as the kingdom’s initial capital. Over time, the capital shifted to Birnin Zamfara, a thriving city-state that became a center of commerce, scholarship, and Islamic learning.

Zamfara’s strategic location made it a target for neighboring kingdoms, particularly Gobir, which waged wars against Zamfara in the 18th century. These conflicts led to the destruction of Birnin Zamfara and the relocation of the capital to Anka, where the kingdom continued to thrive. The state’s history is also marked by its integration into the Sokoto Caliphate following the 1804 jihad led by Usman dan Fodio, the founder of the Fulani Empire. During this period, Zamfara became a key stronghold of the caliphate, with its people playing active roles in the spread of Islam and the establishment of Islamic governance.

The colonial era brought significant changes to Zamfara. The British colonial administration recognized the strategic importance of Gusau, which emerged as a major commercial and administrative center. The construction of road and rail networks further enhanced Gusau’s prominence, linking it to other parts of northern Nigeria and facilitating trade and movement. Under the Gowon Administration, Zamfara became part of the North-Western State and later Sokoto State following the creation of states in 1976.

The struggle for autonomy and self-governance culminated in the creation of Zamfara State on October 1, 1996, during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. This marked a new chapter in the state’s history, as it gained the opportunity to develop its unique identity and harness its resources for the benefit of its people. The first civilian governor of Zamfara State, Ahmed Sani Yerima, made history by introducing Sharia law in 2000, making Zamfara the first state in Nigeria to adopt Islamic legal principles as part of its governance system.

Today, Zamfara’s historical legacy is evident in its ancient settlements, such as Dutsi, Birnin Zamfara, and Anka, which serve as reminders of its rich past. The state’s cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of interaction between Hausa, Fulani, and other ethnic groups, continues to thrive, making Zamfara a unique and fascinating part of Nigeria’s history.

Key Historical Milestones

• 11th Century: Establishment of the Zamfara Kingdom, with Dutsi as its first capital.
• 18th Century: Destruction of Birnin Zamfara by the Gobir Kingdom; capital relocated to Anka.
• 1804: Integration into the Sokoto Caliphate after Usman dan Fodio’s jihad.
• Early 20th Century: Emergence of Gusau as a commercial and administrative hub under British colonial rule.
• 1976: Zamfara becomes part of Sokoto State following the creation of states in Nigeria.
• 1996: Creation of Zamfara State under General Sani Abacha’s military regime.
• 2000: Introduction of Sharia law by Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima.

Geography

Climate

The climate condition of Zamfara is tropical with temperatures rising up to 38 °C (100.4 °F) and above between March and May. Rainy season starts in late May to September while the mild season known as Harmattan lasts from December to April. The hottest months in Zamfara are March and April, and that is just before the first rains. the onset of the rains bring a cooling effect with temperature dropping.

Pollution

Significant health risks are posed by dust and particulate matter in Zamfara, especially to the deepest parts of the lungs, where they may exacerbate lungs diseases like bronchitis and asthma attacks while weakening the body defences against infections

Demographics

Zamfara State is mainly populated by Hausa. Hausa are the indegeneous people of zamfara .
The state capital is an important commercial centre with a heterogeneous population of people from all over Nigeria. As in all major towns in Nigeria, all the major towns in Zamfara have a large population of other peoples from different parts of Nigeria.

Hausa

This is one of the official languages of the state. English is spoken by the zamfara state government as an official language and Arabic language is spoken by the Muslim ummah and Islamic clerics.

Economy

Agriculture and gold mining are the state’s main occupations and the central source of income. Irrigation is required for cereals and legumes, hence the slogan “farming is our pride”.
Over 80 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture. Major products include millet, guinea corn, maize, rice, groundnut, cotton, tobacco and beans. The State is known as farming is our pride because Agriculture provides foodstuffs, raw materials and employment opportunities for young people in the State.
The state is one of the poorest in Nigeria and has one of the highest incidences of extreme poverty (over 60% of the population) according to World Bank data from 2018.

Natural resources

Zamfara state has many natural resources, some are:

• Iron ore
• Gold
• Chromate
• Granite
• Clay
• Limestone
• chamovita
• Quartz
• Kaolin

Education

Tertiary institutions in Zamfara state include:

• Federal Polytechnic, Kaura-Namoda
• Federal University Gusau
• Zamfara State College Of Education, Maru
• Zamfara State University

Healthcare

Zamfara state has many healthcare centres and hospitals, some of them are:

• Arewa hospital
• Daula hospital and maternity home
• Farida general hospital
• Rama hospital
• Gusau medical clinic
• Nasiha clinic
• Federal medical centre Gusau

Transport

Federal Highways

A126 northwest from Katsina State near Kutcheri as the Gusau Rd via Tsafe, Unguwar Audu, Gusau, Bungundu, Kabai, and Talata Mafara to Sokoto State at Bimasa as the Sokoto-Gusau Rd.

Other major roads

•  the Katsina-Gusau Rd north from Gusau via Kaura Namoda to Katsina State as the Jibiya-Zurmi-Barakeji Rd at Gidan Baure,
•  the Kaura Namoda-Shinkafi Rd north from Kaura Namoda to Sokoto State at Kwanar Isa as the Shinkafi-Kafi Rd,
•  the Dansadau Rd south from Gusau to Dan Sadau where the road continues west to Kebbi State at Kaboro,
•  the Anka-Malichi Rd west from A126 at Malinchi to Anka where the Gayawa-Anka Rd continues to Gayawa, where the Gummi-Gayawa Rd continues to Sokoto State at Tashar-Bundun,
•  the Zuru-Mahuta Rd south from Gayawa via Zugu to Kebbi State near Sakke.

Railways

Gusau is connected with the 1067 mm Cape Gauge Western Line by the 245 km Zaria-Kaura Namoda branch line.

Airports

• Gusau Airstrip

Incidents

In 2009, gold mining became a greater source of income in Zamfara State as worldwide gold prices rose drastically. High concentrations of Lead in the ore from which gold was being extracted led to a Lead poisoning outbreak in the state, requiring national and international intervention to remediate affected areas and provide medical care to children with severe Lead poisoning.

Security Challenges

Zamfara has faced significant security challenges in recent years, including bandit attacks, kidnappings, and massacres. Notable incidents include:

• The abduction of 279 schoolgirls in Jangebe (2021)
• The Zurmi massacre (2021)
• The 2022 Zamfara massacres

These incidents have highlighted the need for improved security measures and government intervention.

Religion

Islam is the principal and major religion of the state. Christianity also has many adherents. The original native religions also remain but they have the fewest followers. These religions are mainly practiced in ancient settlements like Dutsi and Kwatarkwashi. Zamfara was the first state in Nigeria to introduce Sharia law during the tenure of Ahmad Sani Yerima, the former Governor of the state.

Tourism

Zamfara State holds some number of tourist attractions which are of historical or religious importance. These include Jata, an ancient settlement of Zamfara located around the hill with a large cave around where traditional practices were performed.

Notable people

• Kabir Garba politician
• Tijjani Yahaya Kaura politician
• Aishatu Madawaki politician
• Bello Matawalle Governor
• Mahmud Shinkafi former Governor
• Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari
• Ahmad Sani Yerima Senator

Politics

The state government is led by a democratically elected governor who works closely with members of the state house of assembly. The capital city of the state is Gusau.

Conclusion

Zamfara State, with its rich historical background, economic significance, and cultural heritage, remains a vital part of Nigeria’s landscape. Despite facing security challenges in recent years, the state continues to be an important agricultural and mining hub, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. Its transport infrastructure, including roads, railways, and an airstrip, facilitates movement and trade, while its religious and cultural diversity reflects the deep-rooted traditions of its people.

Tourism in Zamfara, with its historic sites and natural attractions, presents untapped potential for growth. Meanwhile, the state’s political landscape continues to evolve, with leaders striving to address challenges and improve governance. As Zamfara navigates its future, investments in security, infrastructure, and economic development will be crucial in harnessing its full potential and ensuring a prosperous future for its people.