Zaria

city and local government area in Kaduna, Nigeria

Zaria is a major city in Kaduna State in northern Nigeria, as well as being a Local Government Area.

Zaria
LGA and city
Gate to the palace of the emir of Zazzau
Gate to the palace of the emir of Zazzau
Flag of Zaria
Zaria is located in Nigeria
Zaria
Zaria
Coordinates: 11°04′N 7°42′E / 11.067°N 7.700°E / 11.067; 7.700
Country Nigeria
StateKaduna State
Government
 • EmirAmb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli
Area
 • Total563 km2 (217 sq mi)
Population
 (2006 Census)
 • Total408,198
 • Density730/km2 (1,900/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC 01:00 (WAT)
ClimateAw

It was one of the original seven Hausa city-states. Today, it is known for housing Nigeria's largest university, Ahmadu Bello University.

In December 2015, Nigeria's military was reported to have killed 300 Shia Muslims and buried their bodies in a mass grave. Although the government denies the event, it has been described as a Massacre.[1]

Notable births and residents

change
  • Shola Ameobi, football player
  • Umaru Dikko, minister in the second republic
  • Nuhu Bamalli, minister of foreign affairs in the first republic.

References

change
  1. "Mass graves for '300 Shia Nigerians' in Zaria". BBC News. 2015-12-23. Retrieved 2016-11-05.