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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The National Chairman, Yauri Rigata and Cultural Festival, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Tafida who is also Secretary to the Kebbi State Government (SSG) has disclosed that there would be exhibition of live hippopotamus and proper security during the 2026 edition of Rigata Cultural festival.
Tafida,who disclosed this at a press briefing to kick start the 5th edition of the festival, stated that the cultural festival would be between 5th and 7th February, 2026 with agriculture exhibition and display of naval strength.
While responding to questions, Tafida said: “The live hippopotamus we showcased last edition is still alive and big. Visitors should be expecting to see it again. On the security, we have to thank his Excellency, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris for providing adequate security for us in Kebbi South Senatorial district. I can assure you that there would be adequate security during and after the festival”, he said.
Speaking on the festival, Tafida said, “ Rigata is a Gunganci word which means ‘Marine War’ in its social context, the word connotes buoyance and prestige. The festival involves riverine manoeuvres including water sports and entertainment. it started about 200 years ago as a display of naval strength of Gungu people, where Gungu warriors annually attacked the most dangerous hippopotamus in the area on the River Niger. Warriors will board various sizes of canoes with different types of weapons and attack the wild animals.
“This requires expertise in canoe peddling and naval warfare. It also served as training exercise for upcoming Gungu Warriors.”
