Katagwan, a towering figure both in stature and character, left an indelible mark on the land of Kagoro, Kaduna State. Hailing from the village of Dusai, Katagwan was not just a giant in physicality but also in his roles as a hunter, a warrior, and a champion of civil rights. Dusai was not just his home; it was the very heart of his existence. Within its bounds, he lived, loved, and ultimately found his eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy carried on by his descendants, known today as the Kagwan clan.
Katagwan’s commitment to equality and justice was as immense as his size. He imparted these principles to his people through actions that spoke louder than words. For instance, when disputes arose among hunters over who had first struck down an animal with their deadly arrows, Katagwan would stretch his colossal arm and, with a single gesture, place the prized quarry at the doorstep of the rightful victor. This act of fairness ensured that the spoils were shared equitably among the hunters upon their return.
During the rainy season, when the stream meandering through Dusai swelled beyond its banks, Katagwan would extend his gigantic arm to form a natural bridge, allowing his fellow villagers safe passage to the other side for their farming endeavors. These selfless acts symbolized his commitment to the welfare of his people.
The hills that surrounded Kagoro bore witness to Katagwan’s presence, as his footprints, those of his loyal dog, and the marks of his spear served as markers of his hunting grounds and his dominion. These hallowed hills included Aduwo Shuwai at Agban, Kagoro; Dusai, Kagoro; Afan Takad, in Takad chiefdom; Rahama Hills, in Chawai chiefdom; Afan Atyap, in Atyap chiefdom; and Afan Adan, in Wadon, Bajju chiefdom.
Katagwan’s devotion to his people was further exemplified by his preference for a specific water source known as “UDONG KATAGWAN,” an underground spring nestled within a secluded cave at the base of the hills. Despite his size, he eschewed the typical dwellings of his time, choosing instead to make a cavern atop one of the hills his bedroom.
Remarkably, Katagwan personally excavated his own final resting place, and the imprints left by his hands as he extracted the earth are etched onto his grave. In the twilight of his life, he descended into his self-made grave and peacefully breathed his last. His people, in a solemn ritual befitting a legend, tenderly covered his resting place and paid their respects to the giant whose memory would forever endure.
Katagwan’s life and deeds were honored not only by his people but also by neighboring communities and well-wishers far and wide. His legacy, as a giant in every sense of the word, lives on as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of those he called his own.