Sea goddess must be appeased over landslide in Cross River community – Youth leader, Okon

A devastating landslide has struck the Obutong community in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, following four consecutive days of relentless rainfall. The incident, which occurred around 2 a.m., caused a massive section of Anansa Road to collapse, swallowing part of the community and destroying the crucial route that connects residents to Navy Base, shipping terminals, and markets.

“

It was after four consecutive days of relentless downpour. Around 2 am, we began to hear loud cracking sounds. By morning, a massive section of Anansa Road had caved in. The earth just opened up and collapsed, destroying Anansa Road and swallowing part of the community.

Emmanuel Okon, the youth leader of Obutong, described the event as unprecedented, noting that while minor erosion issues have occurred in the past, this landslide's scale, speed, and location on a federal road are alarming. The gully created by the collapse continues to expand daily, leading to a slow but steady sinking of the community.

“

There has never been an incident like this. We have had minor erosion and gully issues in the past, especially during heavy rains. Our fathers would say the water was angry, and we would perform minor rites. But this 2026 landslide is unprecedented.

Okon attributes the disaster to spiritual causes, specifically the anger of Anansa, the traditional sea goddess and custodian of the waters in Obutong tradition. He explained that the community believes the landslide is a physical manifestation of a broken covenant between humans and nature. The rain served as a trigger, but Anansa's message is conveyed through the destruction, especially given that the collapsed road bears her name and that sand, vital to the coastal community, has been swallowed by the ocean.

“

Anansa is the custodian of our waters. When the covenant between man and nature is broken, the consequences become physical. So, for us, this landslide is spiritual. The rain was the trigger, but Anansa is the message.

In Obutong tradition, Anansa is revered not merely as a myth but as a governing force for law, culture, and environmental stewardship. She protects fishermen and traders but also enforces strict rules against polluting the sea, building on waterways, over-exploiting resources, and neglecting traditional rites. The community interprets the landslide, particularly the groaning sounds heard before the ground broke and the destruction on Anansa Road, as direct signs of the goddess's displeasure. While science may point to rainfall and poor drainage, the community sees it as a consequence of broken covenants and a spiritual warning.

“

Our elders say that when Anansa is angry, you hear the ground groan before it breaks. That is what we heard. Look at the place; this is Anansa Road. It bears her name. For it to collapse there, and for containers and trucks to be trapped on it, the community sees it as a direct sign.