Askira/Uba is a Local Government Area in the south of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, headquartered at Askira town and named after its two emirate councils. Located on the Hawal–Yedseram drainage at the foot of the Biu Plateau, the LGA covers approximately 2,362 km² and recorded a 2006 census population of 138,091, with current estimates above 190,000. the township postal code is 605, used across the LGA’s Askira and Lassa districts.
Towns and Villages
The LGA contains the following named settlements:
| Settlement | Settlement | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Askira | Bagiau | Chul |
| Dille | Dum Bam | Gegombi |
| Giwa Kir Koma | Huyum | Jimbulumu |
| Kauthlama | Kuhi | Lassa |
| Malka Dini | Njoma | Uba |
| Uwotaku | Yimirali |
Geography
Askira/Uba sits on the southern Borno plains at 400–700 m elevation, rising toward the Biu Plateau in the south-west. The Hawal river and its tributaries drain the LGA toward the Benue system. Bounded north by Damboa, east by Gwoza, south by Hong (Adamawa State) and west by Biu, the LGA mixes Sudan-savanna farmland and forested hills.
Demographics
The 2006 census recorded 138,091 residents; current estimates exceed 190,000. The Kibaku (Chibok), Marghi and Bura-Pabir are the major indigenous groups, with Hausa and Fulani minorities. Christianity and Islam are roughly evenly represented, with traditional religion among the Marghi.
Economy and Local Life
Askira and Uba host the LGA’s principal markets, while Lassa anchors trade in the southern district. Agriculture (groundnuts, maize, sorghum, beans) and small-scale livestock farming dominate. Lassa town gave its name to Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease first identified in 1969 in a missionary nurse who had contracted it locally.
Administrative Divisions
Askira/Uba is organised under two emirate councils: Askira Emirate (with Bagiau, Chul, Dum Bam, Giwa Kir Koma, Jimbulumu, Kauthlama, Njoma, Uba, Uwotaku and Yimirali in the Askira district) and Uba Emirate (with Lassa, Dille, Gegombi, Huyum, Kuhi and Malka Dini in the Lassa district). Askira town serves as the council secretariat.
History
Askira/Uba LGA was created in 1991 during the Babangida administration’s state-creation exercise. The two emirate councils predate colonial rule; the Marghi and Bura-Pabir kingdoms maintained distinct traditional institutions through the British indirect-rule period. The 1969 Lassa-fever outbreak placed the LGA on the global epidemiological map.
Getting There
Askira/Uba is reached via the Maiduguri–Yola road, which passes through the eastern portion of the LGA, and the Biu–Garkida road through Askira and Lassa. Maiduguri International Airport is 165 km north, and Yola Airport is 150 km south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Askira/Uba?
Askira/Uba is a Local Government Area in the south of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, headquartered at Askira town at the foot of the Biu Plateau.
What is the population of Askira/Uba?
The 2006 census recorded 138,091 residents in Askira/Uba LGA. Current estimates exceed 190,000.
How big is Askira/Uba?
Askira/Uba LGA covers approximately 2,362 square kilometres of southern Borno plains and Biu Plateau foothills.
Why is Askira/Uba famous?
Lassa town in the LGA gave its name to Lassa fever, the viral haemorrhagic disease first identified in 1969 in an American missionary nurse who had contracted the infection at the local mission hospital.
What towns are in Askira/Uba?
Askira/Uba contains two districts and 17 major settlements: Askira (headquarters), Bagiau, Chul, Dum Bam, Giwa Kir Koma, Jimbulumu, Kauthlama, Njoma, Uba, Uwotaku, Yimirali, Dille, Gegombi, Huyum, Kuhi, Lassa and Malka Dini.
What ethnic groups live in Askira/Uba?
Askira/Uba’s indigenous groups are the Kibaku (Chibok), Marghi and Bura-Pabir, with Hausa and Fulani minorities. Christianity and Islam are roughly evenly represented.