The Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Buba, on Thursday announced the suspension of the 2026 Nzem Berom Festival, citing rising insecurity in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
The festival was initially scheduled for April 24.
The paramount ruler made the announcement while briefing journalists at his palace in Jos, the state capital.
He said the decision followed a meeting of the Jos Joint Traditional Council, Berom organisations, and elders, where the prevailing security situation was carefully reviewed.
“The purpose of my address is to acquaint you with the outcome of the meeting of the Jos Joint Traditional Council, along with all Berom organisations and elders,” he said.
Buba explained that although preparations had reached an advanced stage, including the formation of an organising committee and the invitation of dignitaries, worsening insecurity necessitated a reconsideration.
“We had earlier set up a committee to organise the 2026 Nzem Berom Festival as usual. However, in view of the prevailing insecurity in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria, we found it necessary to reassess whether the festival could still hold as planned,” he said.
He noted that recent attacks on communities and loss of lives influenced the unanimous decision to suspend the event.
“Following deliberations with the Jos Joint Traditional Council, the Central Organising Committee, Berom organisations, and elders, it was unanimously agreed that the festival be suspended,” he added.
The monarch described the decision as difficult but necessary under the circumstances.
“The hard decision, as unpleasant as it is, was necessitated by the realities on the ground. It was a collective resolution,” he said.
He, however, assured that the suspension is temporary, adding that a new date would be announced when the security situation improves.
“When the security situation improves, we will fix a new date. It is not our intention to be deterred from holding our festival,” he said.
Buba further noted that the Berom nation is currently mourning victims of recent attacks across the state.
“We have lost many lives within the Berom nation and other parts of Plateau State. We are in mourning and must show solidarity with affected families and communities,” he said.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, advising them to support security agencies with useful information.
“We urge our people to remain calm, vigilant, and to support security agencies with credible information to aid their operations,” he said.
He also confirmed that the newly posted Commissioner of Police had visited the traditional council and pledged cooperation with stakeholders to restore peace.
Recent weeks have witnessed renewed violence in parts of Plateau State, particularly in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, where attacks have led to deaths and displacement of residents.
Tension has also been reported in Jos North Local Government Area following a recent incident in the Angwa Rukuba community.