History of Zamfara State Nigeria
Zamfara State is situated in the North-western region of Nigeria. The State was formed on 1st October 1996 by General Sanni Abacha (Military Regime). Zamfara State was carved out from the old Sokoto State. Its capital is Gusua. The State is divided into fourteen Local Government Areas, grouped under the three units which are the senatorial Districts Zones.
Zamfara state has boundaries with Sokoto (North), Niger and Kaduna states (South), Kebbi State (West) and Kastina State (East).
History of Zamfara State
The region where Zamfara State is found was the old City of Hausa- which includes Katsina state , Gobir, Kabi and Zazzau, this is expanded to the bend River of Rima to the North-west of the River tea in South west. The first inhabitants in Zamfara State were hunters and giants. They form their first accommodation was at Dutsi the former capital of Zamfara State and presently the new capital is Gusau, created in Anka local Government Area by the second half of the 19th century. The first State in Nigeria to practice Sharia law is Zamfara State. This State is referred as ‘’Farming is Our Pride’’.
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The first Miltary governor of Zamfara State was Jibril Yakubu while elected was Ahmad Sani Yarima.
Ethnic Groups in Zamfara State
Zamfara State is majorly populated by the Hausa and Fulains, some are the members of Gwari, Kamuku, Kambari, Dukawa, Bussawa and Zabarma. Other minor groups include, Nupe, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri and Tiv. Relgion Aspect, there are majority of Islam while the Christians are minority in number.
Local Government Areas in Zamfara State
Zamfara state comprises Fourteen (14) local governments. These are:
Zurmi Maradun Gusau Talata Mafara
Tasfe Bungudu Maru Kaura Namoda
Gummi Bukkuyum Bakura Birin Magaji
Shinkafi Anka
Map of Zamfara State
Population of Zamfara State 2019/2020
According to the 2006 national censors, Zamfara state has about 3,278,873 people living in it with an Area -39,762km2 (7th biggest State)
Wards in Zamfara State
| LGAs | Wards |
| Kaura Namoda | Banga, Dan’isa, Gabake, Galadima DanGaladima, Kagara, Kungurki, Kurya Madaro, Kyam Barawa, Sarkin Baura/Sarkin Marfara,Sakajiki,Yankaba |
| Shinkafi | Badarawa, Chiki, Galadi, Jangeru, Katuru, Kware, Kurya, Shanawa, Shinkafi north, Shinkafi south |
| Zumri | Boko, Dauran/Birnin Tsaba, Dole, Galadima/ Yanruwa,Kanwa, Kuturu/ Mayasa, Kwashbawa, Mashem, Rukudawa, Yan Buki/Dusti, Zurmi |
| Birinin Magaji/Kiyaw | Nasarawa Godal West, Nasarawa Godal East, Modomawa east, Modomawa west, Kiyawa, Gusami Hayi, Gusami Gari, Gora, Danfami Sabon Birini, Birnin Magaji |
| Talafa Mafara | Garbadu, Gwaram, Jangebe, Kagara, Moria, Ruwan Bore, Ruwan Gizo,Saunar/Gora, Shiyar Galadima, ShiyarKayaye/ Matusgi, Take Tsaba/ Makera |
| Anka | Bagega, Barayar zaki, Dan Galadima,Magaji, Matseri, Sabon Birini, Waramu, Wuya, Yar’Sabaya |
| Maradun | Birnin kaya/Dosara, Damaga/Damagiwa, Faru/ Magami, Gidan Goga, Gora, Janbako, Kaya, Maradun north, Maradun south, Tsibiri |
| Bakura | Bakura, Birnin Tudu, Dakko, Damri, Dan Manau,Dankadu, Nasa rawa, Rini, Yargeda, Yar Kufoji |
| Gummi | Bardoki, Brinin Tudu, Brinin magaji, Falale, Felfeldu/Famo, Gayari, Gyalande, IIIelar Awal, Magajin Gari, Shiyar Rafi, Ubandawaki |
| Bukkuyum | Adabka, Bukkuyum, Gwashi, Kyaram, Massma, Nasarawa, Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Zarummai, Zauma |
| Maru | Bindin, Bingi, Dan Gulbi, Dan Kurmi, Dan Sadau, Kanoma, Kuyan Bana, Maru, Mayanchi, Ruwan Dorawa |
| Bungudu | Bingi north, Bingi south, Bungudu, Furfuri/Kwai Kwai, Gada/Karakkai, Kwatarkwashi, Nahuce, Rawayya/Bela, Samawa, Sankalawa, Tofa |
| Gusau | Galadima, Mada, Madawai, Mayami, Mayana, Rijiya, Ruwan Bore, Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, Wanke, Wonaka |
| Tsafe | Bilbis, Chediya, Danjibga/Kunchin Kalgo, Dauki, Keta/Kizara, Kwaren Ganuwa, Tsafe, Yan kuzo ‘’b’’, Yandoton Daji, Yankuzo ‘‘a’’ |
Economy of Zamfara State
The State is majorly into Agriculture as their Slogan implies ‘’Farming our pride’’. The inhabitants are majorly into faring as an occupation in Zamfara State as a central source of livelihood. Agricultural produce cereals, Legumes, cassava, rice, beans, corn and fruits. The State is also blessed with minerals.Gold mining became a bigger source of income in the State in 2009.
Tourism-Interesting Places to Visit in Zamfara State
- Bakolori Dam @ Gasua North axis
- Zamfara state Museum @ Gasua
- Runis of Jargoje’s court @ Kuyambana village in Gausa
- Emir of Anka’s Place
- Sambo Dan Asafa’s Tomb, Wonaka
- Nomoda’s Tomb
- Kaura Namonda
- Kuyambana Game Reserve
- Kanoma Hills
- Kiyawa city walls
- Kwarar Kwashi Rock/water spring
Senatorial Districts/Zones in Zamfara State
Zamfara state consists of fourteen (14) local government areas that are grouped into three (3) senatorial districts. These districts (zones) are:
ü Zamfara North
ü Zamfara Central
ü Zamfara West
| Zones | LGA |
| Zamfara North | Talata Mafara, Birnin Magaji, Zurmi, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda |
| Zamfara Central | Maru, Tsafe, Bungudu, Gusau |
| Zamfara West | Gummi,Bukkuyum, Anka, Bakura, Maradun |
Government of Zamfara State
Zamfara state has three Arms of Government: they are
- The Executive Arm
- The Legislative Arm
- The Judicial Arm
The Executive Arm of Zamfara State
This Arm is headed by the State governor assisted by the commissioners who the governor appoints to head different ministries of the State. Abdul’Az’iz Yari is the current governor of Zamfara State.
The Legislative Arm of Zamfara State
This is the State house of Assembly in Zamfara State. It is made up of 24 members voted in by the electorates of the 24 constituencies in the State. Sanusi Rikiji is the current speaker of the State Assembly.
The Judicial Arm of Zamfara State
This Arm of the State is headed by the chief judge of the State to ensure justice in all areas. Justice Kulu Aliyu is the current chief Judge of the State.
