Kogi State Government has suspended the Echane Festival in Ebiraland with immediate effect.
The decision follows credible intelligence reports indicating that activities associated with the festival could threaten public peace and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order in parts of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government noted that while it respects the cultural significance of traditional festivals, the protection of lives and property remains its foremost responsibility.
The statement disclosed that Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, approved the suspension in the interest of maintaining peace and public safety across the affected communities.
The government has directed all security agencies operating in the state to ensure strict compliance with the directive, warning that violators will face the full weight of the law.
Governor Ododo called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and residents to cooperate with security agencies and support efforts aimed at maintaining harmony.
“The Governor has directed that the Echane Festival be suspended with immediate effect in view of security reports and the need to preserve law and order,” the statement noted.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to taking proactive measures to sustain peace, reiterating that security considerations remain paramount in all decisions affecting public gatherings.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
