THE FRENZY NARATIVES OF OWL BIRDS (OGWUGWU)

 THE FRENZY NARRATIVES OF OWL BIRDS ( OGWUGWU) 

Just last weekend, I traveled to the village for my friend's wedding, I was greeted with different occurrences which brought old memories of fear in the mind of young growing children.

It was a long journey through a narrow undulated road full of dust and stony pavements of hills to climb and descend all leading to Alade- Egume.

I didn't envisage such a long journey so, I left Anyigba late in the evening. Before getting to the venue of the wedding, the traditional rites was almost completed. In fact, at that hour, the receding sun had started showing its fading light heading straight to set. Darkness started enveloping the sky.

I went to the couple and congratulated them. I whispered to them that I would leave immediately.

It was already night, we have to meandered back through the lonely road. The car light was set at full ignition, my eyes were fixed firmly on the road in an elongated neck in full concentration all in fear and trepidation of unknown and insecurity.

Suddenly,  i saw a big owl bird (Ogwugwu) which  flew across the road in the dark silent forest in its fluffy feathers.

At first, I trembled because there's something peculiar with  owl birds (ogwugwu) as held by Igala people. Ogwugwu are witch birds, they can transform into witch and carry demonic spirits. Yes, our neighbour used to cast spells on the owl birds each time they perched on trees close to his house. He would frown at them, his face would glow in a defiant countenance for fear of mischief of the evil spirits and afflictions of the wizards. Then he would chant incantations, asserting his peaceful stance.👇

  Ogwugwu, my hands are clean.

I have never wronged anybody in this community

Ogwugwu, you can't harm me and my family

Pass and never perch around my house

I don't owe you anything, ogwugwu even a kobo.

We don't have anything in common, leave now.

All your all evil manipulations will fall back on you.

This house, I built it myself, ogwugwu, I'm not renting your house😂😂

A sudden reminiscent of such past knowledge surged, then I clutched to the steering firmly while I drove through the darkness to burst out at KSU premises. I smiled at myself with sigh of relief into the air as I reached KSU safely.

Hmm! I told my brother who had been a companion all through the journey " let's stop here and get some suya.🙄 

Suya in front of KSU gate is a killer. I enjoyed every crush of its cracking sweet relish. I ordered for more, " mallam, bring more of it. Let me owe you gbese and enjoy myself to forget the stress inducing trip.

The hooting of the owl birds is truly scary but I have heard them several times in Abuja without fear. Our people can put fear in people ehhh! 🙄🙄

Written by;

Mr. Ndah Jibrin Agboni 

Gwagwalada,

Abuja.