Kainji · Nigeria’s peoples

Dakarkari (Lelna)

At a glance

Where do the Dakarkari (Lelna) people live?: Their homeland is in Sakaba, Wasagu-Danko and Zuru in Kebbi State, across 3 local government areas. They are also a large share of Rijau in Niger State.
What language do the Dakarkari (Lelna) speak?: C'lela, a language of the Kainji family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Kainji).

Overview

The Lelna, known in Hausa as Dakarkari, are the main people of the Zuru Emirate in southern Kebbi State, in Zuru, Sakaba and Wasagu/Danko LGAs, with more in Rijau LGA of Niger State and across the border in Zamfara. They speak C'lela, a Kainji language related to Duka and Kambari.^{[2],[3],[1],[4]}High confidence

Where the Dakarkari (Lelna) live

Local government areas by state. Homeland: the group is the majority. Shared area: a large share of a mixed area. Smaller presence: present, but a small share.

Kebbi
- Sakaba(Homeland)
- Wasagu-Danko(Homeland)
- Zuru(Homeland)
Niger
- Rijau(Shared area)
Zamfara
- Bukkuyum(Smaller presence)
- Maru(Smaller presence)

Areas are approximate and show where people live. They are not claims of land ownership.

Communities beyond the homeland

Zuru Emirate towns

Zuru, Kebbi State; Sakaba, Kebbi State; Wasagu-Danko, Kebbi State: Zuru, Kebu, Roma, Dogo, Isgogo, Dabai, Rikoto, Peni, Manga, Senchi, Ushe, Tadurga, Diri, Ribah, Conoko, Rade.^[5],[6]High confidence

The Lelna (Dakarkari) are divided into the Bangawa, Kafawa, Kelawa and Lilawa. Zuru is the headquarters of the Zuru Emirate of Zuru, Sakaba, Wasagu/Danko and Fakai LGAs.^[5],[6]

Language

C'lela, a language of the Kainji family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Kainji).^[1]High confidence

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).