6 Caves and Waterfalls That Protected Biafrans During the War”

The Biafran War (1967–1970) was a very hard time for the people of Southeast Nigeria. Bombs were falling, soldiers were invading towns, and many families had to run for their lives. In those desperate moments, people ran into forests, mountains, and deep caves to hide and stay safe.

Some of these caves and natural places became safe shelters where people stayed for days, weeks, or even months. Till today, many of these places are remembered not just as tourist spots, but as silent witnesses of war and survival.

Here are 6 caves and waterfalls that helped protect people during the Biafran War

1. Ogbunike Caves – Anambra State

Ogbunike Caves are among the most famous caves in Nigeria. Located in Ogbunike town near Onitsha, these caves are deep, mysterious, and sacred. They have been there for hundreds of years and are made up of tunnels and passages that go in different directions underground.

During the Biafran War, many people from nearby villages ran into the Ogbunike Caves to escape bombings and gunfire. The caves are wide and cool inside, with water running through parts of them. Because of how hidden and difficult they are to enter, they gave many families a safe place to hide during the darkest days of the war. Today, the caves are a popular tourist site, but for many, they still hold the memories of war, fear and survival.

2. Ogba Ukwu Cave – Owerre-Ezukala, Anambra State

This cave is sometimes called the “Giant Cave” because it is one of the biggest in West Africa. Located in Owerre-Ezukala, Anambra State, the Ogba Ukwu Cave is full of tunnels, underground chambers, and even a waterfall inside.

During the war, this cave became a hiding place for many people in the area. Families, including women and children, would carry food and water inside and stay there for safety. The deep chambers made it hard for enemies to find or harm them. Even before the war, locals believed the cave had spiritual powers and was protected by nature. That belief gave people the courage to trust it during wartime.

3. Amanchor Cave – Etiti, Ebonyi State

In Etiti community of Ebonyi State lies the Amanchor Cave a lesser-known but deeply respected natural shelter. This cave is surrounded by thick forest and rocky hills, which made it almost invisible from the air. When the war broke out, people from Etiti and nearby villages used the cave as a safe space. It had enough room for dozens of people at a time and kept them hidden from soldiers and air raids. Some elders in the community still talk about how the cave saved lives and became a place of prayer, hope, and courage. Though not as famous as others, Amanchor Cave is a historical treasure to the people who survived in it.

4. Ngwo Cave – Ngwo, Enugu State

The Ngwo Cave is not just a cave — it comes with a beautiful natural waterfall inside! Located in the Ngwo community near Enugu town, the cave is carved deep into limestone rocks, with a stream that flows down into a pool of cold, clear water.

During the war, locals say families would hide inside the cave and use the water for drinking and cooking. Because of its hidden entrance and quiet environment, it became a secret shelter. The sound of water also helped drown out noise, making it harder for soldiers to notice that people were hiding nearby.

5. Awhum Cave – Udi, Enugu State

The Awhum Cave is found in the same area as the popular Awhum Waterfall. During the war, this cave — hidden behind rocks and thick forest — was one of the secret places where families ran for cover.

Local people built small hiding spots in and around the cave. Its location, deep inside a Catholic monastery’s land, made it even safer, as the area was less likely to be attacked.

Elders say the cave gave not only shelter but spiritual comfort. People prayed and hoped for the war to end while hiding inside. Some believe miracles happened there during those hard times.

6. Agbokim Waterfalls – Cross River State

Agbokim Waterfalls is located close to the border with Cameroon, in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Nigeria, with seven streams that fall down together into a green, quiet valley. But what many don’t know is that Agbokim has a hidden tunnel near the falls, a deep underground path that leads into the thick forest.

During the Biafran War, this area became a safe escape route and hiding place. People who were trying to run to Cameroon used the tunnel to hide and move silently. Some even camped around the waterfall, using the sound of rushing water to cover their movements.

Though not a cave, Agbokim Waterfalls served as a natural protector during the war.

These caves and natural shelters were not just places made by nature, they became lifesavers for thousands of people during the Biafran War. When homes were bombed and towns were attacked, these quiet, secret places gave people a chance to survive.

Today, they still stand as silent witnesses to pain, fear, courage, and hope. Visiting them is not just tourism, it’s a way to remember a painful history and honor the people who went through it.