THE UNJUST USHIE OF ACHI’ANE VILLAGE.

By Ushie Ashiwere

Chapter One: The Peaceful Village of Achiane

In the picturesque village of Achiane , nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, peace reigned supreme. The village was a haven of tranquility, where the chirping of birds greeted the dawn and the gentle rustle of leaves whispered secrets to the wind. Achiane in their language means “face see”

The villagers of Achiane lived harmoniously, bound together by a sense of community and camaraderie. Neighbors greeted each other with warm smiles and hearty good morning such as owum’ma? Irite bé, ukulo bè etc. And strangers were welcomed with open arms. The land of Achiane shares boundaries with Utugwang, Tiv and Yala. They are loving and hospitable people who don’t look for trouble. The land of Achiane was so secured that Children played freely in the cobblestone streets, their laughter echoing through the narrow alleyways. Communities inter marry, festivals were held to celebrate bountiful harvest, festivals for choosing of wives for the unwu’ushie and other beautiful celebrations.

At the heart of the village stood a majestic Iroko tree, its branches stretching towards the sky like outstretched arms. Underneath its sprawling canopy, villagers gathered to share stories, swap gossip, and seek solace in each other's company. The women both young and old gather every Uchaga market day to make their hairs using local threads, while some peers who specialises in bead making and cultural fabric meet at the big iroko tree every ugbada. Don’t forget that gossip was another important fabric of discus most times but the gossips were for good. Elders known as ikum udiara also gather there secretly at night. Sacred activities that take place there when elders of the community gather is unusual with what the villagers see in the day. The Iroko tree was more than just a gathering place; it was a symbol of unity and strength, rooted deep in the history and traditions of Achiane autonomous village.

Life in Achiane was simple yet fulfilling. The villagers tended to their crops and tended to their livestock, their days filled with the rhythm of rural life. From the bustling marketplace to the tranquil fields, to the popular Aya river located at every corner of the village, there was a sense of contentment that permeated every corner of the village. It was loving and peaceful.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, the villagers gathered in their humble cottages to share meals with loved ones. husband and the wife eating together, all the kids eating Swallow with Ufia anangkere soup together. The aroma of freshly made ufia anangkere mixed with bitterleaf wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and conversation within. As they eat the father narrate folktales to them on how Achiane village fought and defeated The Tiv during irikoó war.

In Achiane, time seemed to stand still, and worries melted away like snowflakes in the springtime sun. It was a place where troubles were few and joys were many, a sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. Very contended and appreciate all they have got from nature.

But little did the villagers know, their peaceful existence was about to be disrupted by the arrival of a new king. A ruler whose reign would test their bonds of friendship and challenge their notions of justice and fairness. As the sun set on another tranquil day in Achiane village, the stage was set for the unfolding drama that would grip the village and its inhabitants in the chapters to come.

(Modern realities in Ebua Agba land)

By ushie Ashiwere
Historian