The Origin and History of Uturu Is a topic we will discuss today. Uturu has a unique and fascinating history that sets it apart from other towns.
The Origin and History of Uturu
Contrary to popular belief, it has been proven with evidence that some parts of the Igbo people might have migrated from Uturu. The oldest cave in Nigeria, Isiume cave, is located in Uturu and is believed to be one of the oldest caves in the world.
Archaeologists from three universities in the United States have conducted extensive research at the cave.
There’s a goddess named Nnem Chukwu which inhabited in that Ngodo Uturu cave, for over 2,000 years before Adam. It is believed that Nnemchukwu gave birth to Mgbe, and Mgbe in turn gave birth to Ena, the father of Uturu.
Eminent scholars and archaeologists, such as Thurstan Shaw, Steve Daniels, F.N. Anozie, Catherine Acholonu, D.D. Hartle, and Michael A. Uchegbu, have linked Igbo history and culture to the Ugwuele-Uturu area. Archaeological research conducted by Shaw and Daniels indicates that people were already living in Uturu, specifically in the Ugwuele sub-lineage, as early as 11,000 BC or possibly even earlier. Similar evidence from F.N. Anozie reveals that human beings have existed in Uturu for at least 250,000 years.
Anozie suggests that the people of Orlu, Amaigbo, and Isu, all in present-day Imo State, migrated from Ugwuele, Uturu, under the leadership of a man named Ele. These people are considered the direct descendants of the Ugwuele Homo Erectus.
Excavations carried out between 1977 and 1981 by archaeologists from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka at Ugwuele yielded stone tools, hand axes, and quartz flakes dating back over 250,000 years.
These artifacts are currently housed in the National Museum in Enugu. The archaeological evidence from Ugwuele confirms that Uturu existed before any other group in Igbo land. According to M.A. Onwuejeogwu, the maker of the Ugwuele stone artifacts must have settled near the site, engaging in hunting, gathering food, and trapping animals.
CREDIT: Igbo H (Facebook)