Anchau

Anchau lies east of Zaria in the country of the old kingdom of Zazzau. Local traditions connect its beginnings with people from Bornu: some attribute its foundation to a Kanuri prince, others to traders. These accounts place the settlement on routes linking Bornu to Zazzau and recall the presence of Kanuri families among its rulers and inhabitants. Other traditions describe communities from Bornu taking part in the defence of the eastern frontier against the Jukun. Anchau is one of several settlements in this area whose histories preserve ties between the two kingdoms.