One of the many mysterious rivers in Igbo land and across, is the the Umu-aja river in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta state.
This river originates from the roots of a giant silk cotton tree.
The Umu-aja river houses the dreaded Onoku shrine which is restricted from visitors.
Visitors are warned from picking anything that falls off their hands while they are within the river area,
For it is a taboo.
It is also a age long taboo to dare cut down the giant silk tree which conceals the source of the river.
There are many claims that the goddess of Umu-aja river, otherwise known as Ethiope river has claimed the life many Abraka students and visitors who were deceived by the shallowness of the river.
According to eye witnesses, one could see the shallow dept of the river with fishes swimming in it,
If not careful, such person is tempted to dive into the river for a swim,
It is then they realise the river is deeper than they thought. Many people have attributed this act to the river goddess. But the chief priest of Onoku shrine has in various interviews debunked the claims.
According to him many students and visitors who has drowned in the river has done so either because they are not skillful swimmers or for s.uicide purpose…..Seê _ Morê
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