Songhay · Nigeria’s peoples

Zarma (Zabarmawa)

The Zarma (Zabarmawa in Hausa) are a Songhay-speaking people, mainly of Niger Republic, who settled in Kebbi from the 16th century.

See the Zarma (Zabarmawa) on the map

At a glance

Where do the Zarma (Zabarmawa) people live?: Their homeland is in , across 0 local government areas.
What language do the Zarma (Zabarmawa) speak?: Zarma, a language of the Songhay family (Songhay › Eastern Songhay).

Overview

The Zarma (Zabarmawa in Hausa) are a Songhay-speaking people, mainly of Niger Republic, who settled in Kebbi from the 16th century. In Nigeria they live in the border LGAs of Sokoto and Kebbi States. Zarma is a Songhay language, unrelated to Hausa.^{[2],[3],[4],[5]}High confidence

Where the Zarma (Zabarmawa) 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
- Argungu(Smaller presence)
- Birnin Kebbi(Smaller presence)
- Bunza(Smaller presence)
Sokoto
- Gada(Smaller presence)
- Gudu(Smaller presence)
- Illela(Smaller presence)
- Kware(Smaller presence)
- Sabon Birni(Smaller presence)
- Sokoto North(Smaller presence)
- Tangaza(Smaller presence)

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

Communities beyond the homeland

Bagudo

Bagudu, Kebbi State.^[6]High confidence

Founded, as its name tells, by a Fulani herder called Wabudo; its people are mainly Fulani, Hausa and Zabarmawa (Zarma), on the borders of Niger and Benin.^[6]

Language

Zarma, a language of the Songhay family (Songhay › Eastern Songhay).^[1]High confidence

Sources

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