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Kebbi State Tribes: A Comprehensive List Of Ethnic Groups

Kebbi State, located in northwestern Nigeria, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and strong agricultural economy. It shares borders with Niger Republic, making it a strategic center for trade and cultural exchanges.

The state is home to diverse ethnic groups, with the Hausa and Fulani being the dominant ones. However, other minority ethnic groups also reside in different parts of Kebbi, contributing to its linguistic and cultural diversity.

This article provides a detailed list of indigenous tribes, languages, and ethnic groups in Kebbi State.

1. Overview of Kebbi State’s Ethnic Composition

Kebbi was historically part of the Hausa Kingdoms before being absorbed into the Sokoto Caliphate. It played a significant role in Islamic scholarship and trans-Saharan trade, attracting people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Key Features of Kebbi’s Ethnic Diversity:

• Major Ethnic Groups: Hausa, Fulani
• Minority Ethnic Groups: Dakarkari, Zabarmawa, Kambari, Dukawa, Kamuku, and others
• Languages Spoken: Hausa (widely spoken), Fulfulde (Fulani), Arabic (for Islamic studies), English (official language), and various indigenous languages
• Religions: Islam (dominant), Christianity (minority), and Traditional African Religions
• Cultural Practices: Fishing festivals, traditional wrestling, Islamic scholarship, and farming

Although Hausa and Fulani make up the majority, Kebbi State has several indigenous groups with distinct cultural identities.

2. Major Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Kebbi State

A. Dominant Ethnic Groups

1. Hausa

• The Hausa people are the largest ethnic group in Kebbi State.
• They are known for trade, farming, craftsmanship, and Islamic education.
• Hausa is the most widely spoken language and serves as the lingua franca of Kebbi.
• Islam plays a significant role in Hausa culture, influencing their dress, governance, and traditions.

2. Fulani

• The Fulani people are the second-largest ethnic group in Kebbi State.
• They exist in two main groups:
• Settled Fulani (Fulani Gida): Engaged in farming, trade, and Islamic education.
• Nomadic Fulani (Fulani Bororo): Primarily cattle herders.
• The Fulfulde language is spoken among the Fulani, though many also speak Hausa.
• The Fulani played a role in the Sokoto Jihad, which led to the expansion of Islam in the region.

B. Minority Ethnic Groups in Kebbi State

3. Dakarkari (Lela)

• The Dakarkari people (also called Lela) are one of the prominent indigenous groups in Kebbi.
• They are mainly found in Zuru, Danko, and Sakaba Local Government Areas.
• They are skilled in farming, hunting, and blacksmithing.
• Their language, Lela (Dakarkari), is distinct from Hausa.

4. Zabarmawa

• The Zabarmawa people originate from Niger Republic, but many have settled in Kebbi.
• They are primarily farmers and traders.
• Their language, Zarma, is related to the Songhai language spoken in West Africa.

5. Kambari

• The Kambari people are mainly found in Suru and Bagudo Local Government Areas.
• They are known for subsistence farming and fishing.
• Their language, Kambari, is part of the Niger-Congo language family.

6. Dukawa

• The Dukawa people reside in Zuru and Sakaba areas.
• They are closely related to the Kambari and engage in farming and fishing.
• They speak the Duka language.

7. Kamuku

• The Kamuku people live in Zuru and Fakai Local Government Areas.
• They are known for farming, hunting, and local crafts.
• Their language, Kamuku, is part of the Kainji language group.

8. Shanga

• The Shanga people are found in Shanga Local Government Area.
• They have historical ties to the Nupe Kingdom and speak a dialect similar to Nupe.
• They are known for fishing and farming.

9. Reshe (Gungawa)

• The Reshe people (also called Gungawa) are primarily found along the banks of the River Niger in Yauri and Ngaski.
• They are famous for fishing and boat-making.
• They speak the Reshe language, which is different from Hausa.

Although Hausa and Fulani dominate the population, these smaller ethnic groups contribute to the cultural richness of Kebbi State.

3. Complete List of Indigenous Tribes in Kebbi State

Here is a full list of the indigenous and resident ethnic groups in Kebbi State:

1. Hausa
2. Fulani
3. Dakarkari (Lela)
4. Zabarmawa
5. Kambari
6. Dukawa
7. Kamuku
8. Shanga
9. Reshe (Gungawa)

4. Languages Spoken in Kebbi State

Primary Languages in Kebbi State:

1. Hausa (widely spoken)
2. Fulfulde (spoken by the Fulani)
3. Dakarkari (Lela) (spoken in Zuru and Danko areas)
4. Zarma (spoken by the Zabarmawa people)
5. Kambari (spoken in Suru and Bagudo areas)
6. Duka (spoken by the Dukawa people)
7. Kamuku (spoken in Zuru and Fakai)
8. Shanga (spoken in Shanga LGA)
9. Reshe (Gungawa) (spoken in Yauri and Ngaski)
10. Arabic (used for Islamic religious studies)
11. English (official language used in government and education)

Hausa is the most commonly spoken language and is understood by nearly all residents.

5. Cultural Heritage and Traditional Festivals in Kebbi State

Major Cultural and Traditional Events in Kebbi State:

1. Argungu Fishing Festival – A world-famous fishing and cultural festival held annually.
2. Hawan Sallah – A traditional horseback procession during Eid celebrations.
3. Zuru Cultural Festival – A celebration of Dakarkari traditions, wrestling, and local crafts.
4. Gani Festival – A cultural event marking the end of the Islamic calendar year.

Kebbi State is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, but it also preserves the indigenous customs of its minority groups.

6. Conclusion

Kebbi State is one of Nigeria’s most historically significant and culturally diverse states. The Hausa and Fulani are the dominant ethnic groups, but the state also has indigenous communities such as the Dakarkari, Zabarmawa, Kambari, Dukawa, Kamuku, Shanga, and Reshe.

With its rich traditions, fishing festivals, and agricultural economy, Kebbi remains a key cultural and economic hub in northern Nigeria.

Are you from Kebbi State? Share your ethnic group, language, and cultural experiences in the comments!