HISTORY OF ORIGIN, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF MARU TOWN, ZAMFARA, 1805 – 2015

Abstract

Abstract This work examines a History of Maru in three distinct epochs, precolonial, colonial and post-colonial periods. The work was done upon connsideration that, a History of Maru has not been examined despite its position in the Sokoto Caliphate and its roles in Nigerian politics. The work therefore studies the evolution, growth and development of Maru town between 1805 and 2015. Maru town was founded by a Fulani migrant called Muhammadu Dade in 1805. Since its foundation, Maru has continued to witness changes and development. In this regard, the town became under the influence of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1805 up to 1903 when the British conquered the Caliphate. Furthermore, during colonial period, the town became a district headquarters which experienced different forms of economic, social and political changes. It was also discovered that, Maru served as impratnt centre of religion, education and radical politics.In the post colonial period,Maru continued to witness growth and expansion. This became more apparent with the creation of Maru Local Government area in 1996. From then to 2015, Maru has witnessed some infrastructural developments in education, roads, clinics and influx of migrants which had impact on the expansion of settlements and its economic development. The study basically utilized primary and secondary sources.