A Tour of the confluence city.

A Tour of the confluence city.

 Among the rivers in Kogi State are the largest rivers in West Africa, the rivers – Benue and Niger. River Benue is 1,400 KM long with its source from one of the Cameroon Mountains and river Niger, one of the longest rivers in the world and West Africa’s main river, is 4180 KM long, with its source at Futa Djallon plateau on the borders of Sierra Leone and the Gulf of Guinea converge in Lokoja, forming a Y-shaped confluence called Niger/Benue confluence.

The confluence which was discovered by the Lander brothers in 1830, flows southwards into the Sea. At the peak of the dry season, Confluence Island can accommodate over 10,000 holidaymakers. It is a beautiful attraction for carnivals, picnics, wedding receptions, crusades, etc. Flora Shaw was said to have coined the name ‘Nigeria’ (Niger area) from the top of this mount, while viewing the river Niger when she was working as a foreign journalist during the colonial era. She later got married to Lord Lugard.

MOUNTAINS: Mount Patti. Patti is a Nupe word for hill. It has a height of about 458.3m above sea level and about 33m above the level of the Niger valley. It is about 15km2 square at the top. From here it is possible to view the scenic plain surrounding Lokoja, the silent grandeur and the beautiful nature of the confluence.

There are three sights to visit when climbing Mount Patti. First, make your way to the baobab tree, then head to the rest house of Lord Lugard and Flora Lugard, and cool off marvelling at the breathtaking views. It has a terrific driveway to the top.

Caves: The Usikokoko cave in Konto-Karfe was a security abode for thousands of people in the Igu Kingdom during inter–tribal wars. The cave which has three openings can be viewed easily on the Lokoja-Abuja highway. The rock bridge at Egane in Igala land is a massive piece of naturally occurring rock, under which flows the Maboro River. The rock serves as a natural bridge over the river for the transportation of vehicular and human traffic.

The Lugards’ rest house is today a mini museum of colonial history and has been left untouched since Flora and Sir Frederick Lord Lugard left it. In appreciation of the beauty of mount Petti and its cooling climate, in front of the house is the statue of the couple holding hands. The house is located perfectly as a surveillance post overviewing Lokoja.