Girka

Girka

Girka (Arabic and Ajami ‎غرك‎) is a village in Kaita Local Government Katsina state. The word 'Girka' in Hausa may literally mean 'to base (something in).' It may also mean 'the spiritual activities of Bori.' The latter meaning has nothing to do with Girka village etymologically nor historically. 'Sauri' is the title of the Village Head. This title is derived from a Hausa word 'hasten' (to move or travel hurriedly) because, according to a legend, the Sauri people were said to have come from Sokoto during a Sultan's caliphate. The actual Sultan is not specified but this is believed to be during the colonial era. The history narrates that Sauri clan were advised by the Sultan to bring someone to be given a traditional title. But they humbly declined. After some pressure from the Sultan, they decided to flee. So they "hastened" in the night and fled eastward.

Centuries after its establishment, there are still several historical sites in Girka such as a magic tree, which is believed to have some jinns that can frighten anyone who dares go near it at noon. There is also the ramnants of 'Girka Pond' that used to be a large pond where the Sarkin Sulluɓawa (the mayor of Kaita), would annually go for regal fishing. There are some smaller hamlets under Girka such as Maƙaurachi, Tarkama, Jankerma, Allemi and many more scattered hamlets. Kaita local authority has built many primary schools in Girka village and its hamlets. And recently, some international organisations have generously assisted in either building new schools or renovating the old ones.

In 2009, Kaita local government has built a junior secondary school in Girka village. This saves hundreds of children from a trudge of three or more miles everyday to attend secondary school classes in either Kaita or Dankaba village.

Though most of Girka youth have attended at least primary school but they prefer business to Western education. Thus, these uneducated or unemployed youth travel as far as Lagos to do some menial jobs like commercial motorcycling, gobbling and tailoring. With the little they save from these odd jobs, they assist their parents, relatives and wives at home.

However, things are changing now as they realise that only those who studied 'Boko' (Western education) tend to be civilised and have good jobs or participate in political activities.

Girka people are mostly farmers but they also engage themselves in other small scale businesses.

There are still a few Kaita Local Government councillors from Girka village.