A cave is a large hole in the side of a cliff or hill, or one that is under the ground. It is more than 1,000 feet deep.
In Nigeria, we have a number of caves. See some of them below:
Ogbunike Caves
Behind Ogba hills in Ogbunike LGA in Anambra is a cave that has served for years as an escape, hideout and also was a place of refuge during the Nigerian Civil War. There are about 317 steps that lead into the tunnel. At the entrance, visitors must take off their shoes and also women during their period are not allowed to go in. About ten tunnels lead into the main chamber of the cave; the main cave consists of a massive structure with a big open chamber of about 5m high, 10m wide and 30m long at the entrance. A stream flows out from one of the tunnels into a rapidly flowing river (River Nkissa). Every year in May, a celebration known as “Ime Ogbe” is undertaken to commemorate the discovery of the caves.
Owerre-Ezukala Cave
Less than two hours’ drive from the city of Onitsha is yellow signage welcoming you to the beautiful cave in Orumba South LGA, Anambra. Ogba-Ukwu cave in Owerre-Ezukala town is considered the largest cave in West Africa. With four rock-shelters, two waterfalls and other intriguing features, it forms a complex rock formation with roomy compartments large enough to take in a considerable population. At the centre of the cave is one large area said to have been the living room of the ‘god’ of Owerre-Ezukala. According to the locals, one of the compartment, accessed by the aid of stone steps, has an old elephant’s foot standing, long dead and dry.
Awhum Caves
“Awhum” sometimes written as “Owhum” but pronounced “Ohum” is a limestone cave in Udi LGA, about a thirty-minute drive from Enugu, capital city Enugu State. The limestone cave snakes through a stretch of steep-sided and picturesque hills, which had been dissected in different parts by channels of flowing streams. The foot of the caves is about 300m long with twin cascades of waterfalls. The first intrudes the cave, while the second and also the biggest stands at the far end of the cave. During the day, from the roof light sips through the cave from the small sinkholes and illuminates the caves. The flowing stream along the floor is glistened by the incident light.
Edegbake/Oghodoghodo caves
These caves are prehistoric and are believed to have been the abode of a community of early men. Edegbake, the smaller of the two, is said to conveniently accommodate 50 people while Oghodoghodo has a larger capacity and can take up to 200 people. A slow-flowing stream runs through Edegbake and there is a prospect for amateur fishing, excursions and general relaxation. These caves can be found near Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area, Edo State.
Marshall Caves
Located inside Yankari game reserve in Alkaleri LGA, these caves with numerous networks of hollow openings and artistic textures served as a settlement many centuries ago sheltering communities from wild animals and invaders.