News
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.
By Samson Adeyanju
Atoyebi Adewumi has emerged winner of the fourth edition of the National Essay Competition, beating more than 2,000 contestants in an intellectual contest aimed at promoting academic excellence, critical thinking and creative writing among young Nigerians.
The competition, which focused on the relevance of taxation to national development, challenged participants to examine the role of tax revenue in financing public services, stimulating economic growth and strengthening the relationship between government and citizens.
The initiative provided a platform for young Nigerians to demonstrate their writing skills, articulate informed perspectives on national issues and contribute ideas towards building a more responsible and progressive society.
Speaking after being declared winner, an elated Adewumi expressed gratitude to the convener, Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, and the organising team for providing young Nigerians with an opportunity to showcase their intellectual abilities.
“I am so glad, very, very glad, to have this privilege of emerging as the winner. I am grateful to the convener and the entire team, as well as everyone who supported this vision,” Adewumi said.
In his remarks, Ojo expressed concern over the tendency to criticise the attitudes and lifestyles of younger generations without providing adequate opportunities to nurture their talents and channel their energies towards productive pursuits.
He called on the government, corporate organisations and nongovernmental organisations to invest more in educational initiatives that promote intellectual excellence, creativity and responsible citizenship.
According to him, sustained investment in academic competitions and youth development programmes would encourage discipline, innovation and a stronger commitment to national development.
Drawing a comparison with the substantial cash prizes awarded in some reality television competitions in Nigeria, Ojo argued that students and intellectually gifted young Nigerians deserved greater recognition, financial support and encouragement.
“I believe the government should support initiatives like this because individuals need supportive hands, especially from the government. When they receive such support, they become more confident and motivated to continue their good work,” he said.
Ojo maintained that society could not continue to complain about the attitudes and lifestyles of young people without deliberately investing in programmes that encourage positive values and productive engagement.
The fourth edition of the competition also underscored the importance of tax awareness among young Nigerians, highlighting how effective taxation, transparency and accountable governance could contribute to improved infrastructure, education, healthcare and other essential public services.
Beyond celebrating the winner, the competition reinforced the need to identify, encourage and empower emerging intellectual talents capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
Winner of the 5,000,000 naira 
Winner of 3,000,000 naira 
Winner of 2,000,000
All the participants
By Samson Adeyanju
Twenty finalists from across Nigeria have begun the final stage of the fourth edition of the National Essay Competition in Abuja, following an orientation session designed to prepare them for the decisive examination.
The finalists arrived in the Federal Capital Territory for a four-day, all-expenses-paid programme featuring the essay examination, institutional tours and opportunities for learning and networking.
The competition, the brainchild of Mr Foluso Ojo, is sponsored by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
Ahead of the examination, the finalists participated in an orientation session led by Professor Omotosho Borisade of Ekiti State University, who serves as the competition’s umpire.
The session familiarised participants with the competition’s rules and regulations, examination guidelines and assessment criteria, helping them understand the requirements of the final stage.
The essay examination is scheduled to begin today at 9 a.m., after which the finalists are expected to embark on institutional tours around Abuja.
The programme is designed to extend beyond the contest itself, exposing the finalists to new learning opportunities, professional connections and experiences in the nation’s capital.
The competition brings together young Nigerians to demonstrate their writing ability, knowledge, creativity and critical-thinking skills as they compete for the top honours.
With the finalists prepared for the examination, attention now turns to their performance and the eventual emergence of the competition’s champion.
Atoyebi Adewumi Wins 4th National Essay Competition, Beats 2,000 Contestants
20 Finalists Begin Final Stage of National Essay Competition
Pastor Ogundipe Decries Lack of Integrity Among Educated Nigerians
