YPC begs Yakurr cultural groups to shun chants that could rekindle Ugep-Idomi conflict

The Yakurr Peoples Club (YPC) in Abuja has urgently urged cultural groups, traditional leaders, and performers of the ongoing Leboku Festival to avoid songs, dances, and chants that could reignite tensions from the recent Ugep–Idomi conflict. This appeal came after the Club's fact-finding mission identified several cultural expressions containing references to the conflict during their recent visit to the Yakurr Nation.

YPC President and Team Lead of the Peace Mission, Group Captain Eloma Ekpo Ikona (retired), emphasized the significance of preserving Yakurr's cultural heritage while urging performers to use caution. He stressed that cultural expressions, even those rooted in tradition, should not be a source of provocation or a means to revive old grievances, as this could jeopardize the fragile peace achieved through dialogue and reconciliation efforts.

Ikona reminded everyone that culture should be a tool for healing, unity, and building bridges, not walls.

The Club specifically called on dance groups and cultural troupes participating in the Leboku 2026 festival to meticulously review their performances, ensuring that their messages promote peace, reconciliation, unity, and mutual respect rather than hostility. The YPC also appealed to the Paramount Ruler and the Yabol Lipon, as traditional authorities, to guide cultural groups under their jurisdiction away from expressions that could fan the flames of past conflicts or undermine the peace process.

Ikona emphasized that the Leboku festival, traditionally a celebration of thanksgiving, cultural pride, love, and unity, should provide an opportunity to heal past disagreements and restore relationships among communities. He urged community leaders, youth, women groups, peace advocates, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and collectively safeguard the peace, warning that isolated cultural expressions should not be allowed to destroy the progress made towards reconciliation.

The Club reiterated that the Yakurr people remain united by a shared heritage and destiny, and they urged all participants and visitors to make Leboku 2026 a celebration of peace, reconciliation, and renewed fellowship, emphasizing that "peace is possible. Reconciliation is possible. Unity is our strength."