No doubt, Nasarawa state
has always attracted many holidaymakers nationwide. The reason is not only because it is a
peaceful state, but also for the fact that it is the ‘Home of Solid Minerals’.
The state is richly blessed with abundant mineral resources, like marbles as
well as various tourist sites capable of boosting Nigeria’s eco and cultural
tourism. Nasarawa state is multi-ethnic. Research indicates that there are
about thirty ethnic groups in the state alone, each exhibiting their
distinctive languages and cultures. Among them are Ebira, Eggon, Marma and
Gbagyi. One of the most fascinating and important structures which could catch
the interest of any visitor to Nasarawa state is the Ara Rock. Located at the
heart of Nasarawa local government area of the state, the Ara Rock has had its
share of tales from mysterious ones to the most fascinating.
The Ara Rock is highly
linked to the tradition. The natives do not seem to let out its mysteries to
strangers and researchers with ease. And there lies its tourist essence. In
fact even to catch a glimpse of it, a non-native must be identified by a
prominent native as well as a clear definition of the objective of such
research. Whatever criterion that one uses to get to the surroundings of the
rock, one dare not go very close to its foot.
“You can’t get very
close to the rock. It has been like that from the time immemorial,” a source
had told this researcher.
Even the Madagi, by name
Gbagudu, who is currently serving in the chief’s cabinet, cautioned against going
to the foot of the rock.
The
history of Ara Rock holds that a certain hunter named Akwa Chidodo was the
first person to inhabit it. It was from the rock the he carried out his hunting
expeditions. He was reputed to have used his marksmanship in hunting to become very
popular in and around Ara as long as he lived. After his demise, his son, Ojila,
took over and continued the hunting. Ojila stayed in the rock with his people
where they later made him king of the place. He was reputed to be the pioneer
king of the people. His era was characterised by wars, and it was before the
coming of the Europeans.
It is said that the rock
provided the natives the refuge during those wars. In March every year,
sacrifices are conducted on the rock to appease the gods to avert calamities
for the natives and also to attract success to them. Goats and cows are always
slaughtered during the festival. It is always a beehive of activities. During
this festival, young men and women do run to the outside and inside the
village, brandishing wooden swords and knives similar to what gladiators
exhibit during wars. The essence is to keep and maintain peace. Also, it is at
this festival that it is said that a spirit climbs the Ara Rock and then lands
on the ground unhurt. It is a part of their tradition that their chiefs provide
them with goats and cows for the festival. After the celebration, the people
are then assured of a problem-free year.
There are mysterious
holes at the rock which no one can enter, except the Dansarki and the Magajira,
who are the male and female core adherents respectively. They usually enter the
holes during the slaughter of the animals used for sacrifices. It is said that
the people who had entered there in the past used to disappear.
The Ara Rock, surrounded by miniature rocks and
evergreen vegetation, is an untapped tourism potential of Nasarawa state. The
road leading to the village depicts that of the Golgotha where Jesus treaded
upon. It is stony and galloping. The villagers call for relevant authorities to
come to their aid to make the rock a befitting tourist centre.
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