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

The Yakurr Peoples Club, YPC, Abuja, has made a strong appeal to cultural groups, traditional rulers, community leaders and participants in the ongoing Leboku Festival to refrain from songs, dance chants and other cultural expressions capable of reopening wounds from the recent Ugep–Idomi conflict.

The Club said its appeal became necessary following observations made during its recent fact-finding and peace mission to the Yakurr Nation, where some songs and dance chants were found to contain references to the conflict.

President of YPC Abuja and Team Lead of its Peace Mission, Group Captain Eloma Ekpo Ikona (rtd.), acknowledged the importance of preserving Yakurr’s rich cultural heritage but urged cultural custodians and performers to exercise restraint, especially at a time when efforts are being made to consolidate peace.

He appealed to performers not to allow cultural expressions, however traditional, to become a source of provocation or revive grievances that could threaten the fragile peace achieved through dialogue and reconciliation.

“Our culture is a powerful instrument. Let us use it to heal, not to hurt; to unite, not to divide; and to build bridges, not walls,” Ikona said.

YPC specifically appealed to dance groups and cultural troupes participating in Leboku 2026 to carefully scrutinise their songs, chants and performances and ensure that their messages promote peace, reconciliation, unity and mutual respect rather than hostility.

The Club also called on the Paramount Ruler and the Yabol Lipon, as custodians of Yakurr tradition and communal authority, to guide cultural groups under their influence against expressions capable of inflaming old grievances or undermining the peace process.

It urged sons and daughters of Yakurr to preserve the essence of Leboku as a festival of thanksgiving, cultural pride, love and unity, saying the annual celebration should provide an opportunity to heal past disagreements and renew relationships across communities.

The Club further appealed to community leaders, youth and women groups, peace advocates and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and collectively protect the peace, stressing that isolated cultural expressions must not be allowed to destroy the progress already made towards reconciliation.

YPC maintained that the Yakurr people remain bound by a common heritage and shared destiny, urging all participants and visitors to make Leboku 2026 a celebration of peace, reconciliation and renewed fellowship.

“Peace is possible. Reconciliation is possible. Unity is our strength,” the Club said.