In this special report, THERESA NAANBAN captures the nostalgic excitement that followed the first heavy rainfall in Jos as swarms of shinge — winged termites — filled the night skies, drawing residents outdoors in a communal celebration that blended childhood memories, seasonal tradition and the simple joy of harvest
Suddenly, the atmosphere completely changed after the heavy downpour. Then, the air carried the familiar earthy scent that usually follows a proper downpour.
And, also unexpectedly, streetlights and security lamps across neighbourhoods became engulfed in swirling clouds of golden-winged termites known in Hausa as shinge.
For several hours, the usual rhythm of the night gave way to excitement, laughter and the frantic scramble of residents gathering around brightly lit areas to harvest the insects.
Walking through the streets felt like stepping into scenes from childhood memories. The quiet evening quickly transformed into a lively gathering as the insects swarmed around the lights while neighbours rushed out with bowls, buckets of water and brooms.
Children enthusiastically deployed the popular method of placing bowls of water beneath light bulbs to trap the termites, while adults shared nostalgic reflections about simpler times shaped by changing seasons and communal living.
A night of nature’s feast, community excitement
Humans were not the only participants in the night’s excitement, as animals also joined what appeared to be a feast under the lights.
Dogs snapped eagerly at the flying termites while cats crouched nearby, swiping clumsily at the low-flying shinge.
On walls close to the glowing bulbs, wall geckos remained motionless like silent hunters, waiting patiently for insects to land within reach before devouring them one after another.
By morning, the excitement outdoors had shifted into the kitchens, where the harvested shinge were carefully washed to remove their delicate wings before being prepared for consumption.
Because the insects naturally contain oil, they were fried in dry pans with only a little salt until they turned deep golden-brown and crispy.
Taste of tradition and the rainy season
For many residents, eating the freshly fried shinge represented more than just a seasonal delicacy.
The crunchy, nutty flavour carried memories of childhood, community gatherings and the arrival of the rainy season, serving as a reminder that despite the fast pace of modern life, some traditions continue to endure across generations.
The return of the shinge, for many families, remains one of the most cherished signs that the rains have truly arrived.