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Kiddies World SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
The legendary Bayajidda of Daura
Kusugu well in Daura where Bayajidda killed the dangerous snake, now a tourist site
L
egend has it that Bayajidda (Hausa: Bàyā̀jiddà) the founder of Hausa land came from Baghdad, travelling across the Sahara, and arrived in the Kanem-Bornu Empire, where he married a local princess. Popular legend has it that, Bayajidda was prince of Baghdad (the capital of Iraq) and son of King Abdullahi, but he was exiled from his home town after Queen Zidam, also known as Zigawa, conquered the city. Once he left Baghdad, he travelled across Africa with numerous warriors and arrived in Borno. In Borno he assisted the ‘Mai’(ruler of Borno) to defeat the surrounding villages. In appreciation, the Mai gave Bayajidda his daughter called ‘Maghira’in marriage. Bayajidda later left Borno and eventually settled with his wife, Maghira, at a settlement called Garun Gabas or Biram in Hadejia, since she could not continue with the hazardous journey as a result of pregnancy. She later gave birth to a son who became the chief of the town. Meanwhile, Bayajidda continued his journey westwards and arrived at Dala hill in Kano which was then occupied by pagan blacksmiths known as Ábagiyawa’. He stayed briefly before moving northwards and finally arriving at the city of Daura in the night. He lodged
in the house of an old woman called ‘Ayana’. When he asked the old woman for water to give his horse, she told him that water was not available except on Fridays because of the menace of a snake in the well. Undaunted, Bayajidda borrowed a calabash and asked for the way to the well. When he put the calabash inside the well the snake seized it. He however, pulled the snake out and cut its head with a knife, drew the water he needed and returned to his lodge. (Note: Kusugu well is located in the ancient city of Daura. According to historical accounts, the well is associated with the establishment of Daura town in the 7th century and the formation of Sarauta system in Hausa land. In the ancient times, the well was the only source of water for the people of Daura, but it harboured a dangerous snake which only allowed people to fetch water from the well on Fridays. The snake was called ‘Sarki’ or simply ‘Ki’ which means ‘refuse’ or ‘reject’.) The following morning, the people of the town became amazed when they found the body of the snake beside the well. News of the event reached Daurama, the ruler of the town. She sent two of her senior officials, Kaura and Galadima to investigate the situation and report back their findings. To be continued………
PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 14 — SUNDAY 15, SEPTEMBER, 2013
With Nami Hassan Kadir namy.kadir@yahoo.com 08130693795.
ABCDE
HIS AND HERS’ CORNER
Disney Angle
Shaggy and Scooby pose for a snapshot Tom and Jerry fighting
Bunny having a swell time
...How long will this friendship last?