Bida Emirate Cancels ‘Bariki’ Fiesta

The Bida Emirate Council in Niger State says it has cancelled this year’s Bariki otherwise known as durbar fiesta.

The cancellation came barely 24 hours before the event. However, the emirate did not give reasons for its decision. But WikkiTimes understands the state, including villages under the emirate, has suffered bandit attacks in recent times. This, according to sources, might be the reason behind the urgent decision.

In February this year, waylaying bandits raided over 10 communities in Lavun local government, maiming, killing and kidnapping locals including brides. The incident shook the emirate as it challenged its security apparatus amid government’s negligence.

READ: Today In History: How Nupe Fighters Defeated British Army In 1896

The Minna emirate took the lead last week when it cancelled the Sallah durbar in the state capital. Although, thugerry has become another nightmare for the resident of the state capital and the security forces despite an anti-thuggery law gazetted by the state government some years ago.

Bariki in Bida emirate is a colourful and royal fiesta featuring Nupe traditional dance and other cultural displays. It usually comes five days after every Sallah celebration.

READ: How Government Ineptitude, Cover-ups Exacerbate Armed Banditry In Kebbi State

Alhaji Isah Isah Mohammed, a traditional title holder known as Wakili Labari Nupe, disclosed the emirate’s decision to RukotoTV, a local television in Niger State.

READ: SPECIAL REPORT: Inside Niger Community Where Nothing Works

Meanwhile, hommage would be paid to His Royal Highness, Etsu Yahaya Abubakar, in his Wadata Palace. 

- Advertisements -

According to Crusader Radio, the development was influenced by the death of Yusuf Manko, the first son of the present Shaba Nupe, a second-in-command chief in the emirate.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

This was not the first time Bida emirate would take such a decision. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic bit harder forcing the government to ban social gatherings, the emirate in respect of that cancelled the durbar. Surprisingly, it was gleefully attended by some high-profile individuals in Bida town.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Most Read

Latest stories

Signup To WikkiTimes Newsletter