Traditional Leaders Suspend New Year Festivals in Plateau State

• The Gbong Gwom Jos cancels the annual New Year cultural festival in Plateau State due to recent killings in the region
• The Emir of Wase defers the annual Fulani cultural festival, Nyalde Fulaku, following tragic killings in Barkin, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs

In a bid to avert potential incidents during the New Year celebrations in Plateau State, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Jos Joint Traditional Council, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, has decided to cancel the annual New Year cultural festival typically observed at the start of each year in the state.

Simultaneously, the Emir of Wase and President of the Wase Traditional Council, Alhaji Muhammed Sambo Haruna, has announced the deferment of the annual Fulani cultural festival, Nyalde Fulaku, initially scheduled for January 6, 2024.

The directive from Gyang Buba, conveyed through a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Da Yakubu Mamman Dang, cited the recent killings in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi LGAs as the rationale behind the decision.

Similarly, Alhaji Muhammed, in a statement endorsed by the Secretary of the Wase Emirate Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Jalo, justified the postponement of the Fulani cultural event. The decision, which aimed to generate N5 million for the furnishing and equipping of the emirate’s information and communication center, was made in light of the tragic killing of over 195 people in Barkin, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs.

The move by these traditional leaders reflects a commitment to prioritizing safety and community well-being amid prevailing challenges and security concerns in the region.