JUST IN: Oyo villagers stop fetching water at the river over fear of evil spirit killing them

 

JUST IN: Oyo villagers stop fetching water at the river over fear of evil spirit killing them

 

Residents of Aleelo Village in Akufo, located in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, have revealed that fear of an evil spirit in their local river prevented them from fetching water, forcing them to walk long distances to meet their daily water needs. According to Punch, their concern was made public on Tuesday during the commissioning of a newly constructed well donated by Namatai Tembo, a student of IITA International School, Ibadan. The well now serves as the primary source of potable water for the villagers.

The village head, Musliu Olabanji, explained that the community had long abandoned the river that once served as their main water source. He stated that residents believed a harmful spiritual presence had made the river unsafe, leading to fears that anyone who approached it might lose their life. Due to this belief, the villagers had no option but to travel several kilometres to other communities in search of clean water for drinking, cooking, and other domestic purposes.

Akindele Olatundun, one of the village’s women leaders, expressed relief at the arrival of the well, describing it as a much-needed intervention. She noted that the new source of water would significantly reduce the burden on the residents, especially women and children, who often bore the task of fetching water from distant locations.

She explained that the well would not only serve Aleelo Village but also benefit surrounding communities, helping to improve the overall well-being of many people in the area. Olatundun also used the opportunity to thank the donor for the timely support and called on the Oyo State Government, as well as kind-hearted individuals and organizations, to assist the village further by providing boreholes. According to her, such efforts would help the people access safe drinking water and enjoy the benefits of development and good governance.