By Grace Okogwu

“No one fears ghosts more than those who don’t believe in them.” — Chinese Proverb

Growing up is never easy, but childhood in Nigeria comes with its own set of unique challenges. Beyond the discipline of strict parents, eerie folklore and unsettling myths filled our young minds with fear, leaving lasting impressions that some still carry into adulthood.

From dark, shadowy giants to the infamous Madame Koi-Koi—a restless spirit searching for her lost shoe—these stories were told so vividly that they became impossible to ignore. Even now, some people remain convinced that these supernatural beings exist.

Most of these tales spread through boarding schools, day schools, and family gatherings, passed down across generations. While details varied by region, certain legends remained consistent across communities.

Famous Nigerian Folklore

Madame Koi-Koi (The Phantom in Heels)

One of the most feared figures among schoolchildren, Madame Koi-Koi was said to haunt boarding schools. The story described her as a ghostly woman who had lost one of her high-heeled shoes and could be heard roaming hallways at night, the eerie “koi-koi” sound of her footsteps striking fear in students. Some versions even claimed she kidnapped or punished those who encountered her.

Ef’oru Foloru

This spirit was believed to appear at night, disturbing students who stayed up late studying. It served as a chilling reminder that the nighttime belonged to forces beyond human control.

Bush Baby

A common myth in boarding schools, the Bush Baby was rumored to be a half-human, half-animal creature that cried like a human infant to lure unsuspecting victims. Some stories suggested it would sneak into dormitories to braid young girls’ hair against their will. Even today, some claim to have heard its haunting cries at night.

Willi-Willi

Feared among children, Willi-Willi was a ghostly masquerade figure in Nigerian folklore, known for its unpredictable and malevolent nature.

Childhood Myths We Once Believed

The Nigerian Tooth Fairy

Unlike the Western tradition of placing a lost tooth under a pillow, Nigerian children were told to throw their fallen teeth onto rooftops. This, we believed, would ensure a new tooth grew in its place.

Swallowing Fruit Seeds

Many children were warned that swallowing a fruit seed—whether from an orange, guava, or watermelon—would result in the plant growing on their heads. The fear of walking around with a tree sprouting from one’s scalp was enough to make kids spit out seeds immediately.

Transformation into Animals or Objects

Children were often warned against picking up items from the roadside, as it was believed this could turn them into tortoises, yams, or even Naira notes. Nollywood movies and even reported news stories reinforced these fears, making them seem all too real.

Outgrowing These Childhood Fears

Although we may laugh at these myths now, childhood fears have a way of shaping us well into adulthood. Many of the anxieties we experience today stem from the fears we encountered as children—just in different forms. However, over time, we learn to distinguish between real threats and the imaginative tales that once kept us up at night.

While Madame Koi-Koi and the Bush Baby may no longer haunt our dreams, the memories of these childhood stories remain, serving as nostalgic reminders of the fears that once ruled our imaginations.