The Zamfara River is a river in the northern part of Nigeria. Originating in Zamfara State, it flows 250 kilometres (160 mi) west into Kebbi State, where it merges with the Sokoto River approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) southwest of Birnin Kebbi.
At its highest point, the river flows through an area that is 188 metres (617 ft) above sea level.
The Zamfara River is known by various names in different regions it flows through, including: - Gulbi Gindi - Gulbi Zamfara - River Zamfara - River Gindi
Terrorist Attack
On October 6, 2022, several villagers drowned in the Zamfara River while attempting to escape a terrorist attack in the region.
Hydrological Patterns and Spillover
A 36-year evaluation (1980–2015) was conducted to analyze the hydrological patterns and surface spillover of the Hadejia stream, relevant to the river basin's water resource management.
Key Findings:
- Decline in discharge at two downstream stations
- Upstream stations showed a rising discharge trend, though not statistically significant
- ANOVA results: F(5,210) = 106.226, P < 0.05
- Significant spatial variations found between upstream and downstream areas
Contributing Factors:
- Upstream increase due to:
- High mean precipitation
- Increased urbanization
- Downstream decrease due to:
- High evaporation rates (linked to high temperatures)
- Low precipitation
- High soil permeability from sandy and sedimentary terrain
Implications:
- Water supply and irrigation in downstream zones are at risk
- Integrated basin studies and hydrological modeling are recommended to:
- Identify driving factors
- Predict future river behavior
Pollution Incident
In Zamfara State, an outbreak in two villages prompted a field investigation. Residents reported that one-fourth of the children in their communities had died within the past year.
Findings:
- Community wells contained high lead levels
- Children had elevated lead concentrations in their blood
See Also
References
- Hydrological data from Hadejia stream catchment studies (1980–2015)
- Field investigations and community health reports from Zamfara State