Kainji · Nigeria’s peoples

Reshe (Gungawa)

The Reshe call themselves Bareshe; the Hausa call them Gungawa, 'island people'.

At a glance

Where do the Reshe (Gungawa) people live?: Their homeland is in Yauri in Kebbi State, across 1 local government area.
What language do the Reshe (Gungawa) speak?: Reshe (Tsureshe), a language of the Kainji family (Atlantic-Congo › Volta-Congo › Benue-Congo › Kainji).

Overview

The Reshe call themselves Bareshe; the Hausa call them Gungawa, 'island people'. They are the original people of Yauri, and fled to the Niger islands in the mid 19th century before the new town of Yelwa was built. The Gungu (island) district of Yauri LGA is now their centre, and they live along the Niger from Illo to Shabanda and south into Borgu. They are known for irrigated onion fields, canoe building and fishing. Most also speak Hausa.^[2],[1],[3]High confidence

Where the Reshe (Gungawa) 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
- Yauri(Homeland)
Niger
- Agwara(Smaller presence)
- Borgu(Smaller presence)

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

Communities beyond the homeland

Ujiji

Agwara, Niger State.^[2],[5]Medium confidence

Language

Reshe (Tsureshe), 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).