Inachalo River

The Inachalo River is a river located in the town of Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria. It has historical and cultural significance in the region.

History
In the 16th century, the Inachalo River became associated with interactions between the Igala and Jukun kingdoms. The Prince of the Jukun kingdom, who had become lost during a hunting expedition, sought refuge in the Igala kingdom. After several months, he decided to return to his kingdom. The Attah of Igala, the local ruler, organized a farewell gesture, with the Igala people providing food and items to bid the Prince farewell.

Tensions arose when the Jukun elders demanded more provisions from the Igala people, interpreting their generosity as evidence of their son farming in Igala during his stay. This misunderstanding led to an incident where Igala elders presented calabashes filled with stones and dung in response to Jukun demands, resulting in a threat of war.

In the midst of the Igala–Benin War, Attah Ayegba Omaidoko of the Igala kingdom turned to an Oracle, for guidance. The oracle's message advised a sacrificial offering to safeguard the Igala kingdom, resulting in the sacrifice of Princess Íníkpi, the daughter of the Attah, who was interred alive.

During the Igala-Jukun War, another sacrifice occurred at the western bank of the Inachalo River, involving Princess Ọ́ma-Odòkó. These sacrifices were made to safeguard the Igala kingdom during the Igala-Jukun War.

Cultural significance
The Inachalo River holds cultural significance as it marks the boundary between the Jukun and Igala kingdoms. During the Igala-Jukun conflict, Jukun warriors crossed this river while fleeing from the Igala forces. Many of these warriors, exhausted and hungry, consumed the river's fish, leading to their demise. The river's waters turned red due to a mysterious charm.

As a result, a prohibition was imposed, preventing anyone from drinking water from the Inachalo River. A shrine was erected at the riverbank to commemorate the sacrifices and the charm applied. Local folklore suggests that the fish in the river are not typical freshwater species and are considered inedible. It is believed that consuming these fish leads to them never cooking properly and always remaining raw.

Legacy
The Inachalo River's history is closely linked to the sacrifices made to protect the Igala kingdom. Princess Íníkpi and others sacrificed their lives for the homeland, and their memory is honored in local traditions.

In 1834, Princess Ọ́ma-Odòkó, daughter of Atta Idoko, the king of the Igala kingdom, was also sacrificed in the river during an inter-tribal battle between the Jukuns and the Igala Kingdom.