From September through December, many Nigerians feel uneasy. These final four months, nicknamed the “Ember months,” are linked in people’s minds with bad news, accidents, and tragedy. But are these fears justified; or are they myths reinforced by stories and selective memory?
How the Ember Months Got Their Reputation
The term “Ember” simply comes from the names of the months: September, October, November, December. Yet, over the years, they have developed a reputation as a dangerous season. The reasons are partly cultural, partly statistical. More travel, more events, and heavier traffic create real risks. Meanwhile, folklore and religious messages amplify the perception of danger.
Myths and Beliefs Around Ember Months
Across Nigeria, Ember months are often described as spiritually dangerous. Some pastors warn of heightened demonic activity. Others suggest the devil works harder as the year closes. These ideas have been passed down for years, and modern media continues to spread them. For many, the Ember months feel cursed, even though the roots of this belief are cultural rather than factual.
The Reality Behind the Fear
Data from safety authorities like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) paints a clearer picture: accidents increase not because of curses but because of human choices. During Ember months, drivers spend longer hours on the road, traders and commuters rush, and families travel more for holidays and reunions. Fatigue, reckless driving, overloading, and poor planning—not evil spirits—cause the spike in incidents.
Traveling Soon? You don’t have to travel alone or in fear. Download NauNauSOS to share your location while traveling and let your family or friends watch over you in real-time. Stay safe, stay visible.
The Psychology of Fear
So why does the fear feel so strong? Human beings are wired to remember bad events more vividly than good ones. A single tragic road crash in December will make the news and be shared widely online. Thousands of safe journeys during the same period go unnoticed. This selective memory strengthens the myth and makes the Ember season appear more dangerous than it is.
Social and Economic Pressures
Beyond myths, Ember months are simply stressful. Families rush to complete projects, students return to school, businesses scramble to meet targets, and transport networks overflow. This pressure pushes people into mistakes—like traveling at night, ignoring fatigue, or taking unsafe shortcuts. Harmattan conditions also add dust, haze, and reduced visibility to already strained roads.
Fear vs. Preparedness
The problem isn’t just the season—it’s how people respond to it. Fear often drives poor decisions: avoiding official transport for cheaper but unsafe alternatives or taking risks because of panic. The smarter approach is preparation. Plan ahead, travel during safe hours, and keep someone informed about your journey. With today’s safety apps, location sharing is as natural as sending a text.
Traveling Soon? You don’t have to travel alone or in fear. Download NauNauSOS to share your location while traveling and let your family or friends watch over you in real-time. Stay safe, stay visible.
So, why are the Nigerian Ember months so scary? The fear comes from a mix of cultural myths, amplified media, and real but preventable risks. By separating fact from superstition, Nigerians can replace dread with awareness. The truth is simple: with proper planning, safe travel choices, and tools like NauNauSOS, the Ember months don’t have to be scary at all—they can be a season of connection, celebration, and safe journeys.