Rivers community celebrates hunter for killing an eagle

The people of Taabaa in Ogoni, Rivers State, are celebrating a well-known hunter from the community, fondly called Spirit Man, for killing an eagle (African Fish Eagle).

According to a Facebook post, in Ogoni tradition, the eagle is a powerful symbol of strength, royalty, and honour. Spotting one is rare, and killing one is even rarer.

The hunter took the bird to the ancestral palace of Mene Asaa for recognition and blessing on January 12, 2026. 

The African Fish Eagle is found in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, and other southern states, but their population continues to decline due to habitat loss, environmental pollution, and human activities such as hunting.