State Rivers State Country Nigeria | Length 160 km | |
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The Nun River is a river in Rivers State, Nigeria. The Nun is formed when the Niger River splits in two, forming the Nun and Forcados rivers.
Map of Nun, Nigeria
Upon emerging from its parent river, Niger, the Nun River flows for almost 160 kilometres (100 mi) south to the Gulf of Guinea at Akassa. Its course runs mainly through thinly settled areas and swamps.
In the 19th century, the Nun was a hub for trade between the Igbo Kingdom, which was based at Aboh, and Europe. The river's trading history began with the trade of slaves but was later replaced by palm oil export. At the turn of the century, however, the river mouth silted heavily, blocking the passage. Subsequently, traders began using the more accessible waters of the Forcados River.
The Nun River is immortalised in the poetry of Gabriel Okara. His poem "The Call of the River Nun" is a nostalgic ode to the river that passes through his home.