Eha-Amufu: A Journey through Time.
Eha-Amufu is a town in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The town has a rich cultural heritage and a long history that stretches back to the 18th century.
Before the Nigerian Civil War, the town was small and primarily agrarian. The initial date of founding is unclear, but records show that the town has been in existence for centuries.
The Igbo people are the primary inhabitants of the town. According to Nnaji Nwa Nnaji, a late elder of the town, Eha Amufu started out as the town “Eha” which has had a long history, primarily based upon the establishment of new towns and villages with “Eha” in their names. With new settlements founded, Eha changed its name to “Eha-Umuhu”, remaining the oldest of the Eha towns.
In the early 19th century, the town engaged in a community war with its neighbouring community, Nkalaha. The conflict, which spanned from 1829 to 1831, was over the boundary maintenance at the nearby Ochini River. Nkahala emerged as the decisive victor. In the ensuing peace agreement, Eka Amufu presented Nkalaha with a horse. Both parties also entered into a blood covenant, vowing never to harm each other again.
Traditionally, Eha-Amufu was a confederation of ten villages, each with its own leader. These villages were:
1. Abor
2. Agu-Amede
3. Amede
4. Ape-Mgbuji
5. Ihenyi
6. Isu
7. Mgbuji
8. Orokoro
9. Umuhu
10. Umujoovu
The town was known for its skilled farmers, hunters, and craftsmen. The people of Eha-Amufu were also renowned for their bravery and military prowess.
In the pre-colonial era, Eha-Amufu was a major center of trade and commerce, with trade routes connecting it to other parts of Igboland and beyond.
During the British colonial period, Eha-Amufu was incorporated into the Enugu Province and later became part of the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.
Today, Eha-Amufu is a thriving town with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community. The town continues to celebrate its traditional festivals and customs, while also embracing modern development and progress.
