Potiskum
About
Potiskum is a local government area and city in Yobe State in northeastern Nigeria. It is the largest, most populous and fastest growing city in Yobe State and sits on the A3 highway. The area covers about 559 square kilometres and is home to several major groups including the Karai-Karai, Ngizim and Hausa-Fulani peoples. The area is known as a major trading centre, especially for its large cattle market, which is said to be one of the largest in Africa and the largest in West Africa. Most of the cattle sold there are transported to other parts of Nigeria.
History
Potiskum was organized by the Ngizim people, who had subjugated the Karai-Karai people. The state was formed in 1809 by a Chief of the Ngizim named Mai Bauya. The current Emir of Pataskum is Mai Umar Ibn Wuriwa Bauya Lai-Lai. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency office and Potiskum airstrip date from the colonial period, when the town was annexed by Germany before the United Kingdom took over.
Source: Wikipedia: Potiskum
Key Facts
State
Yobe State
Established
1809
Area
559 km²
Population
204,866 (2006 census); 322,100 (2022 estimate)