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REVEALED: Mysterious Abuja River Whose Water Consumes Human Flesh
By Bobola Richard
Gwagwalada is a town in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with a special charm and intrigue. This account aims to shed light on Gwagwalada’s unusual river, which is said to swallow human flesh at certain periods of the year.
Thrilled by this finding, Abuja City Journal reporter Richard Bobola, who has been watching the area for the past 17 years, undertook an intriguing inquiry into a river whose waters consume human flesh.
Nestled in the heart of the FCT lies the enigmatic Usuma River, often referred to as Gwagwalada River. It has long been shrouded in mystery and tales of dread. For generations, locals have whispered chilling stories of an annual phenomenon that defies explanation—a river seemingly devouring human flesh.
The Usuma River winds through lush green landscapes, drawing curious visitors and daring explorers from near and far. They are not only captivated by its natural beauty but also by the eerie tales that envelop it. Here, amidst serene surroundings, a perplexing phenomenon unfolds annually.
Local folklore narrates how unsuspecting individuals who venture too close to the river’s edge are mysteriously drawn into its depths. During a specific time of the year, it is said that the river’s waters come alive, displaying an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Witnesses describe an almost supernatural force that pulls victims beneath the surface with an unrelenting grip.
A local resident told told Abuja City Journal that 2 non-indegenes lives were lost in the river in March.
In our quest to uncover the truth behind this river and the negative stereotypes overshadowing Gwagwalada’s development, we explored an area called Angwandodo, where most river-related activities occur. In Angwandodo, we engaged with the locals, Angwandodo’s leaders, including the Head and Sectional Head, the Hausa Sarki, the Bassange Chief, and the Angwandodo Youth Forum.
During these conversations, we uncovered a historical perspective that explained the river’s mysteries. According to an anonymous local chief, rituals involving grains like millet, guinea corn, maize, sacrificial animals like he-goats or cocks, and other ceremonial items were once performed by the river’s banks. These rituals, led by the local chief priest, aimed to secure peace for the town. However, as Islam and Christianity gained prominence from the mid-2000s, these practices waned, and many embraced the new religions to avoid being labeled as unbelievers. Unfortunately, this change marked the beginning of the unsettling occurrences tied to the river.
While these stories may sound like supernatural tales, they stem from genuine fears that have persisted for generations. Locals have learned to avoid the river during periods of heightened activity, steering clear of its banks to evade its mysterious hunger.
Hauwa Ibrahim, a resident, shared the rumor of a mermaid inhabiting the river, possibly explaining the annual incidents. In the past, the river claimed more than five lives each year, but the number has substantially decreased, possibly due to increasing civilization, as noted by the President of Angwandodo Youth Forum.
We met the President whose name is Benjamin Enejo during their weekly meeting in the community. He gave us exclusive access to cover the event.
According to Enejo, the Gwagwalada river is part of the reason Angwandodo has had some negatives, but it’s quite decreasing due to the developments like road network flooded with street lights. He said, though, the river consumption of human flesh has quite reduced in number and as a result of that, they want government to come in and make the river bank a tourist attractions.
Abuja City Journal made several efforts to speak with the local chiefs on this matter but all efforts proved abortive as of press time.
Gwagwalada, despite its enigmatic river, is a town with rich cultural diversity, hospitable inhabitants, and untapped potential. It’s time to look beyond the myths and embrace the true beauty and significance of this unique Nigerian town.
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