Jigawa State, State capital and agricultural center in northern Nigeria.
Jigawa State is a region in northern Nigeria with Dutse serving as capital and administrative center. The terrain alternates between flat grassland and gently rolling plains where crop fields mix with patches of bush vegetation.
The region separated from Kano on August 27, 1991, forming an independent state under the military government of Ibrahim Babangida. The creation of the new administrative territory elevated Dutse from a regional town to a seat of government.
The name Dutse means 'rock' in the Hausa language, a reference to the formation rising above the capital. Residents gather at weekly markets to trade livestock and farm produce following patterns passed down through generations.
The best time to visit falls during the dry season between November and March when roads remain passable and overland travel is easier. Travelers should carry sufficient drinking water on long journeys as stops along the way may offer limited facilities.
The Dutsen Habude cave paintings in Birnin Kudu show scenes from the Neolithic period and document early human activity in this part of West Africa. The rock art includes depictions of animals and human figures that researchers continue to study and document.
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