The Gbong Gwom Jos, Mr Gyang Buba, has postponed the 2026 annual Nzem Berom cultural festival, initially slated for April 24.

Buba, who is the Chairman of Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs, disclosed this during a news conference on Thursday in Jos.

The paramount ruler basically cited security concerns as rationale for the postponement of the cultural festival.

He said that the decision followed a meeting of the Jos Joint Traditional Council, all Berom organisations and elders, where the security situation of Plateau and beyond was reviewed.

He decried that a good number of villages and districts largely occupied by Berom people were recently attacked and many persons killed.

“We are currently mourning.

“We have been in touch with the security agencies and when the security situation improves, we will fix a new date for the festival.

“So, we call on our people and the entire citizens of Plateau to remain calm, vigilant and avoid taking laws into their hands,”he advised.

The paramount ruler also called on residents of Plateau to support the security agencies in their bid towards stemming the tides of insecurity in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Nzem Berom cultural festival is an annual cultural celebration of the Berom people, usually organised to promote unity, preserve tradition and showcase their rich cultural heritage.

The festival is usually marked with pomp and pageantry, featuring colourful displays of traditional attire, music, dance and other cultural performances that reflect the identity and history of the people. (NAN)