17th November, 2013, a mysterious river sprang up in Nachi, a community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The river is said to be 4-feet deep, stagnant and found in a forest. According to report, the water was discovered by a Fulani herdsman who went there to feed his cattle. They said, 

“he passed that place with his herd of cattle and soon after, heard a strange noise; when he turned back, he discovered that a big stream has appeared at the same place he just passed with his cattle”. 

The Fulani herdsman went back to the community and reported the incident. However, Elders from the community confirmed that was not the first time the river was appearing in that spot. They reported that it appeared 32 years ago. 

  

HEALING VIRTUES OF THE WATER 

Shortly after the appearance of the water, the place became a pilgrimage center to most Nigerians, as they believed it has healing powers. Some sick people went there to take their bath and drink it, while others fetched it and took home to sick relatives. The clutches and other supporting devices seen there were claimed to be dropped by people who came there and got healed. 

It was also reported that a popular Catholic Priest known as Rev. Ejike Mbaka went there and prayed, and told people that diverse miracles will take place there. 

There are several testimonies from people who believed they got healed from bathing in the water or drinking it. But an elder from the community has a different story to tell. He said,  

“We noticed that after some years, the water will form a stream there and would disappear in few weeks. If such happens, we will be fetching water there. However, women who are menstruating and evil people don’t go there, because it will cause havoc in their lives.. We never heard about healing power of the River until this recent appearance of the River.  The last time it appeared was in 1992, and at that time, it just formed a small stream, which later disappeared. It has never been as large as this. This is all I know, we have never known about its healing power, this is the first time we are hearing about healing, I don’t whether it is true”. 

 

The trees around the river were not left out as people were cutting them believing they have healing powers as well. 

THE COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES OF THE MYSTERY POOL

The mystery pool attracted thousands of people to site every day, and that alone attracted traders as well.  Motorcyclist who conveyed people to the river made a lot of money that period as they charged pilgrims very high rates, knowing that people would pay any amount to get to the river. Also women were seen selling food and plastic containers used for fetching the water. 

The water lasted not more than six months, but has a lasting memory in the heart of its believers. 

Personally, I did not believe in it, yet, it was reported to have worked for those who believed in it.  

material source: naij.com

image source: naij.com

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