Security Threat: Sayawa Cancels 2020 Annual Cultural Fiesta

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Palpable security tension has gripped Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi State following the decision of the Zaar Development Association (ZDA) nationwide to postpone indefinitely the annual “Lepm Zaar” 2020 cultural festival.

The annual harvest thanksgiving fiesta was slated for Saturday, November 7, 2020, and ZDA cited security threats for shifting the yearly event that always brings together all sons and daughters of Sayawa for celebration.

In a press statement signed by its National Secretary, Mr Adamu Bagudu and made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Thursday, the Association said the decision was taken to avert imminent breakdown of law and order in the area as allegedly plotted by those described as “enemies of progress of Zaar land”.

Explaining that the national Executives took the decision at its emergency meeting held on Tuesday, Bagudu said; “This decision has become necessary to forestall further breakdown of law and order as enshrined in article 25 and 26 of the ZDA”..

“The measure taken will prevent some group of youths and their sponsors from organizing such a program for the ZDA when there is an improved and favorable for a normal and hitch free celebration” the statement said.

However, Forefront findings revealed a lingering crisis within the leadership of the Sayawa community which has been polarized along mainly political divide particularly between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state

Further checks indicated that the three main bodies of Sayawa community : Zaar Development Association (ZDA); Zaar Youth Association (ZYA); and Zauren Baba Gonto (Elders Forum) have been at each others’ throat over the Sayawa community leadership

While ZDA is claiming overall leadership of the Sayawa community, the Youth Wing is fighting to take hold of the affairs; with Zauren Baba Gonto, as the Elders Forum not wanting to have a strong voice in the scheme of things.

However, apart from ZDA that has made public its position on the development, others were yet to react as at the time of this report.

Some notable Sayawa indigenes contacted to comment on the development, rather chose to keep mute for now, promising to speak out at the appropriate time.

For most Sayawas, particularly those who had invested in businesses and related activities preparatory for the event that usually serve as an economic stimulus, it is time to count their losses following the indefinite postponement.