WILD BUFFALO: UBAH, OKPAI, NDOKWA EAST L.G.A, OF DELTA STATE

During the great flood of 2022, when the River Niger swallowed farmlands and swept through Okpai, most men stayed indoors, fearing both the water and the creatures it carried. But Onyebuash, a middle-aged hunter known for his quiet courage, refused to be still.

One misty morning, villagers saw ripples moving fast across the flooded plains, not from a canoe, but from something massive. It was a buffalo, stranded and angry, driven from the forest by the rising waters. The beast began destroying floating huts and canoes, threatening anyone who drew near.

While others watched from a distance, Onyebuashi strapped his old double-barrel gun across his shoulder, whispered a short prayer, and paddled into the flood alone. The water was chest-deep, cold, and crawling with danger, but he pressed on.

As the buffalo roared, Onyebuashi Enudeme steadied his canoe. The first shot echoed , missed. The beast charged through the water, sending waves splashing.

 In that breathless moment, Onyebuashi reloaded with shaking hands, aimed straight at the heart, and fired again.

A single thunderclap. Then silence.

The buffalo fell, its strength surrendering to the flood.

When Onyebuashi returned, dragging the beast behind his canoe, the people of Ubah in Okpai Ndokwa East L.G.A of Delta state shouted his name from the rooftops. 

To them, he wasn’t just a hunter , he was the man who tamed the flood.

From that day till date , elders of the land says; “When courage speaks, even the river listens.”

Courtesy: Chidi Igwebueze © Black Diamond

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