Lata Religion in North-Western Nigeria since the 14th Century

The phenomenon of Lata religion and its mysterious practices in Ngaski District of Yauri (also Yawuri) Emirate in the present Kebbi State of North-Western Nigeria has not received much attention from foreign and indigenous researchers. In fact, the historical site and remains of the religion have only been left for the occasional visits of the Kambari indigenous religious practitioners and some local tourists. With the aid of oral data, this paper examines the origin of the Lata religious site in Ngaski District and also brings to light its major features. The Lata has since the 14th century become the greatest of all the Kambari deities. The paper establishes that Lata was not simply a mode of worship, involving sacrifices and incantations, but an institution that have influenced its practitioners in their social, economic and political spheres of life.