In southwest Nigeria, the sacred Osun River is turning toxic. Once central to both daily life and Yoruba spiritual traditions, its waters have shifted from clear to murky yellow over the past decade. Investigations point to illegal gold mining upstream, where chemicals like mercury and cyanide are used in the extraction process. These toxins accumulate slowly, posing long-term health risks for millions who rely on the river.

Documentary filmmake Anu Adelakun first exposed the issue in 2022. Returning years later, she finds that new water tests reveal the pollutionpersists, with arsenic and lead far above safe limits. Despite laws and calls for action, enforcement remains weak. Meanwhile, gold mining continues, threatening not just public health, but also a vital cultural and spiritual heritage.